Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer SA has signed an agreement with Chinese carrier Colorful Guizhou Airlines to supply it with as many as 17 jet aircraft, Embraer said in a statement on Monday.

The deal includes seven confirmed orders – with the first aircraft (an E190 model) to be delivered to the Chinese carrier this year. There is an option for a further 10 aircraft.

The estimated value of the deal, including the 10 optional units, totals US$834 million.

The statement said Colorful Guizhou is the fifth Chinese airline flying Embraer’s E-Jets. The airline, based in southwest China’s Guizhou province, is a new, low-cost, carrier that plans to launch its services this year.

Last month Embraer reached an agreement with Chinese regional carrier Tianjin Airlines to sell it 22 aircraft in a deal worth US$1.1 billion.

The two aerospace orders come at a time when China and Brazil are strengthening their relations. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the South American nation last month, aiming to enhance bilateral co-operation in sectors including railways, energy and aviation.