Singapore Airlines places $17bn order

Singapore - Singapore Airlines said Thursday it will buy 30 Airbus and 30 Boeing aircraft in an order worth more than $17bn.

"Singapore Airlines has agreed to order 30 more Airbus A350-900s and 30 Boeing 787-10Xs in deals valued at more than $17bn," the top Asian carrier said in a statement.

For Airbus, the deal includes an option to purchase 20 more planes in addition to the 30 firm orders. The options can be converted to firm orders for bigger A350-1000s, it said.

The agreement with Boeing comprises 30 firm orders and is conditional upon the US aircraft-maker formally launching the B787-10X programme, the airline added.

"Today's aircraft orders are among the biggest in Singapore Airlines' history, helping to ensure that we retain our industry leading position," said the carrier's chief executive Goh Choon Phong.

"They demonstrate our commitment to the Singapore hub and our confidence in the future for premium full-service travel."