Global Biz

Airbus eyes China's big orders: reports

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-04 22:53

PARIS - European aircraft giant Airbus expects to sign a major order from China following Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to France, where the company is headquartered, local daily Les Echos reported Thursday.

Airbus was waiting to sign an agreement with China on an order for 10 A350s and 20 A330s in addition to a significant number of A320s, the newspaper said in its report.

"This (the agreement) should be done today... The contract could make Air China one of world's leading companies in terms of the number of operated A330s," the business daily added without giving details on the deal's value.

Airbus officials were not immediately available to comment.

The Chinese head of state arrived in Paris Thursday for a state visit during which several agreements are on the agenda.

According to the report, French nuclear power group Areva is also eyeing a deal with Chinese utility firm CGNPC.