China signs up for 88 Airbuses

Airbus A320neo

China signed an agreement Tuesday to buy 88 Airbus aircraft in the A320 family. Airbus CEO Tom Enders signed the agreement with the China Aviation Supplies Holding Company during a visit to Berlin by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

As part of the general terms agreement, China’s ICBC Financial Leasing Co Ltd signed a purchase agreement for 42 out of the total 88 aircraft. The single-aisle A320 family is made up of the A318, A319, A320 and A321. An Airbus spokesman said it was up to China Aviation Supplies to decide what to do with the other 46 aircraft.

Also Tuesday, Daimler AG signed an agreement with Chinese partner BAIC to expand their cooperation and build more vehicles in China.

Daimler said that the deal would involve an investment of 2 million euros in the joint venture, Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd.

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