Airbus says Hong Kong Airlines intends to buy $5.7 billion of A350s, A330s

Hong Kong Airlines looks at $5.7B Airbus order

FARNBOROUGH, England — Airbus says that Hong Kong Airlines intends to buy $5.7 billion of its widebody A350 and A330 planes.

The plane maker says a memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow for fifteen A350s and ten A330-200s.

The airline is converting 15 existing A330 orders to A350 XWBs and placing an additional order for 10 A330-200s.

Subtracting the catalog value of the already ordered A330s gives a net value of $2.8 billion for the deal at list prices.

If firmed up, deliveries of the A330-200s will begin in 2012, with the first A350 XWB planned for 2018.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FARNBOROUGH, England (AP) — Airbus says that Latin America’s LAN Airlines has announced its intention to buy 50 A320 family aircraft with a catalog price of $4.2 billion.

The plane maker says a memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow and if firmed up would be the largest single airline order for Airbus in Latin America. The commitment includes 10 A321s.

Airlines often negotiate substantial discounts to list prices.

The deal is part of an optimistic start for the show that has fueled hope that the worst is past for airlines.