China orders 80 Airbus planes

May 18, 2014, 5:09 am

To cater to a growing economy, China Southern Airlines, Asia’s biggest carrier by passenger numbers, has signed contracts with aircraft manufacturer Airbus for the purchase of 80 A320 planes, Airbus China said in Beijing on Saturday.

China is paying $85.8 million – $110.1 million for 30 of the existing models of the A320 planes, and $94.4 million – $120 million for 50 of the more energy-efficient A320Neo model.

The planes will be delivered to China Southern Airlines by 2016-2020.

According to China Southern Airlines, the deal is expected to increase the airlines’ transportation capacity by 12.1 per cent and help optimize its fleet structures, thus maximizing its operation efficiency and enhancing competitiveness.

Source: Agencies