Saudi Airlines orders eight airbus A330s

Saudi Arabian Airlines yesterday signed a firm contract with European plane manufacturer, Airbus, for purchasing eight A330-300 wide-bodied aircraft, for an undisclosed amount.

Neither the Saudi carrier nor the manufacturer divulged the value of the deal, based on the Airbus' list prices. But it is estimated at $1.53bn.

This follows its order for 22 Airbus A320s the Saudi national carrier signed last year, making the first agreement between the airline and Airbus for commercial jets in 26 years, the Airbus said.