Boeing banks $2.3 billion order

Despite the International Air Transport Association’s warning earlier this week of an industry slowdown in 2008, airlines continue to place jet orders.

Today, the Boeing Co. announced a $2.3 billion deal with Dublin-based leasing company, AWAS. The order is for 31 Boeing 737-800s and was not previously listed on Boeing’s orders and deliveries Web site. The new order pushes Boeing’s sales tally to 1,177 for 2007 so far.

SouthKorea’s second largest carrier, Asiana Air, says it plans to add 20 new jets to its fleet within the next five years, according to Bloomberg. The airline, which operates about 65 planes, wants to expand its international routes. Asiana Air will consider Boeing’s 787 and 747-8 as well as Airbus’s A350 and A380.

BOC Aviation plans to step in and snatch up $2 billion worth of aircraft from airlines that have placed orders but are having trouble securing financing. Bank of China’s aircraft leasing unit says it will more than double the $700 million worth of aircraft purchases it made this year.

Finally, Continental Airlines says it will fly its new 787 Dreamliners to places like Dubai, Madrid and Rome. The carrier has 25 Dreamliners on order with deliveries beginning in 2009.