China Southern Airlines Board gives principal approval for 21 new Airbus'

The Board of China Southern Airlines has given its in-principle approval for the acquisition of 15 A320-200 aircraft and six A319-100 aircraft from Airbus.

The agreement with Airbus for the acquisition of the aircraft is still in the course of being finalized and no definitive agreement has been signed between the two parties.

China Southern Airlines Board has also announced its approval of the EMB Aircraft Acquisition Agreement for the purpose of acquiring six EMB-145LR aircraft.

According to the information provided by Harbin Embraer, the catalog price of an EMB-145LR aircraft is approximately US$20,100,000.

The EMB Aircraft will be delivered in stages to China Southern Airlines through 2004 and 2005.

Directors of the airline stated that they believe the acquisition of EMB Aircraft, together with the proposed acquisition of Airbus Aircraft, will further expand the flight service network and operating capacity of the Company, thereby enhancing its ability to compete significantly in the industry.