She did not say how many individual aeroplanes it involved.

"It will be the first time in our 30 plus year relationship with aviation manufacturers here in China that we have asked them to participate in a brand new program (for the 787s)," she added.

"It really is a great expansion of our relationship."

The US-based aviation giant said it has signed an agreement with Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group for the production of composite rudders for 787 Dreamliner jets as well as forward entry doors and automatic over-wing exit doors for 737s.

It has also contracted Hafei Aviation Industry Co to provide 787 wing-to-body fairing panels while Shenyang Aircraft Corp will build the leading edge assembly for the 787's vertical fin.

BHA Aero Composite Parts Co, a joint venture between Boeing, Hexcel Corp and AVIC I, will build interior panels for the 777 control cabin as well as the wing-to-body fairing panels and tail cone for the next-generation 737.

Boeing said it will also substantially increase component production rates for the 737, its best-selling aircraft in China and worldwide, at Shanghai Aviation Industrial Corp, Xian Aircraft Co and Shenyang Aircraft Corp.

The new contracts for parts and components for Boeing's 737, 777, and the new 787 Dreamliner are expected to enter the market in 2008.

Boeing now holds contracts with China's aviation industry valued at 1.6 billion dollars.

"China has been a reliable partner to Boeing for many years. Boeing is committed to China," said Corvi.

More than 3,500 Boeing aircraft -- one third of its fleet -- have major parts and assemblies built in China.

The US aircraft maker forecast that China will need 2,300 jetliners over the next 20 years, making it one of the world's largest airplane markets.

The initial contracts for the 787 model will extend 13 years after its launch to 2021, while the lengths of the other contracts will vary depending on their size, Corvi told reporters.

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