LEITHEN FRANCIS / SINGAPORE
China Southern Airlines looks poised to sign a deal for 21 additional Airbus A320 family aircraft, following a recent visit to France by the airline's president Hu Jintao. Meanwhile, the airline has taken delivery of its first of eight Boeing 737-700s. During Hu's visit he disclosed that China Southern had agreed in principle to buy 21 Airbus aircraft. But last week neither a final contract had been signed nor approval for the purchase received from Chinese regulators. China Southern already operates 24 International Aero Engines V2500-powered A320 family aircraft - four A319s and 20 A320s - but has no further orders outstanding. The Guangzhou-based airline, which received the first of eight 737-700s last month, has 12 -800s in service.
Source: Flight International
