BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Air China signed a contract with Airbus Thursday for purchasing 20 Airbus A330-200s.

    The planes are scheduled for delivery from May 2006. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group (CASC) was also involved in this deal.

    Air China President Li Jiaxiang, CASC President Li Hai and Airbus President & CEO Gustav Humbert signed the contract at the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero witnessed the signing ceremony .

    "These 20 A330-200 aircraft will help us expand our fleet and open new international routes, " said Li Jiaxiang, "A330-200 will also further strengthen our reliability, punctuality and efficiency, and improve our competitiveness in the global market. "

    Air China's fleet now has 16 A319s, five A320s and six A340s. The selection of 20 A330-200s will further diversify its fleet.

    "Today's contract is the first one that I am signing since I took over my new responsibilities last month. I am very happy this happens to be with Air China, the flagship carrier of China," said Gustav Humbert, " Airbus also enjoys a good and long lasting relationship with CASC, and we highly appreciate the confidence CASC has shown to Airbus over the years. "

    Airbus' business in China has been steadily expanding since it first entered the country in 1985. The Airbus fleet in service in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau has grown to nearly 300 aircraft today from just 29 in 1995. Enditem