China Eastern Airlines has agreed to purchase 80 Boeing 737 aircraft - the largest ever purchase of single-aisle jets by a Chinese airline.

Worth more than $8 billion (£4.71 billion) at list prices, the deal involves a mix of current 737s and the new 737 MAX model. Airlines typically receive discounts on orders.

"We look forward to making history with China Eastern as they are poised to make the largest purchase for single-aisle airplanes by a Chinese airline," said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Boeing's sales and marketing for Northeast Asia.

The Boeing airplanes are expected to be delivered in stages from 2016 to 2020.

In May, Boeing's rival, European aircraft maker Airbus, secured an order from China Southern Airlines for 80 single-aisle A320s with a list value of $7.9 billion.

Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern operates a fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.