Chinese airline announces deal

China Southern Airlines said today it plans to buy 21 aircraft from the France-based Airbus and six from a Brazilian manufacturer.

China Southern, based in the mainland city of Guangzhou, said in a statement that its board of directors have given “in-principle approval” for the purchase from Airbus of 15 A320-200 and six A319-100 aircraft.

Chinese President Hu Jintao first announced the Airbus purchase during his French tour last week.

The company did not disclose the financial details of the deal and it was not immediately clear when the deal will be finalised.