Cape Town - South African Airways (SAA) has struck a deal with French aircraft manufacturer Airbus to lease six new A330-200 aircraft, worth about $1bn.
This was announced by French Trade Minister Anne-Marie Idrac on Thursday, following a meeting with South Africa's Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan.
Idrac, who is in the country to promote economic ties between France and South Africa, said this deal illustrated a "long-term and lavish" partnership between the two companies.
Airbus vice president of sales, Hadi Akoum, said the long-haul aircraft, which will be taken up by SAA on a long-term lease in 2011, will replace SAA's existing and ageing A340-200s.
"These will have all the latest, all the bells and whistles," said Akoum.
SAA said the new planes will be to its own specifications, featuring a refreshed cabin interior and an enhanced in-flight entertainment system.
- Fin24.com