PARIS (AFP) — Italian carrier Air One has placed a firm order for 12 Airbus A350-800 and 12 A330-200 aircraft, Airbus announced Wednesday.
The European manufacturer added that Air One, Italy's second leading airline, had also taken options on 12 other A350-800s and eight A330-200s.
Airbus did not disclose financial details but at catalogue prices the 24 firm orders would be worth 4.67 billion dollars (3.02 billion dollars).
"The acquisition of 24 wide-body long-haul Airbus planes is a key part of our company's growth strategy that will enable us to see major developments on the international market in the years to come," said Air One head Carlo Toto.
The A350-800 to be bought by Air One can carry up to 287 passengers and travel a distance of 15,500 kilometers (9,688 miles).
The A330-200, with a passenger capacity of 253, can travel a distance of 12,500 kilometers (7,813 miles).
Air One has agreements with Airbus for delivery of 90 A320 single aisle, short-haul aircraft, with 65 of these firm orders.
The Air One orders for the 12 A350 XWB (extra wide body) aircraft brings the total number on order to 364.
Shares in EADS, the Airbus parent company, closed up 0.67 percent Wednesday, bucking a market which fell 1.38 percent.
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