China signs deal with Airbus to buy 45 A330 planes

PARIS - China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) signed on Tuesday deal with Airbus to buy 45 A330 Family aircraft and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for options for 30 A330s, said Airbus in a press release published Tuesday.

"China is today the most important market for aviation in the world, we can be confident that air transport in China will continue to undergo rapid growth," said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus president and CEO, adding that "we are honored to contribute to this development."

According to Airbus' market forecast, China will become the leading country for passenger air traffic, given the fact that its passenger traffic grows well above the world average.

"Domestic air traffic in China will become the world's number one within 10 years," said Airbus in its press release.

According to the aircraft manufacturer, in the 20 year period between 2014 to 2033, China will need more than 5,300 new commercial passenger aircraft.

At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,150 aircraft, including some 150 A330 Family aircraft.