Singapore Airlines and Airbus announced a $7.5 billion order for new aircraft, as the Asian carrier became the first to commit to buying Airbus' new A350 XWB model and also underscored its faith in the A380 by pledging to buy more. Singapore said it had signed a letter of intent to buy 20 Airbus A350 XWB-900s and nine additional Airbus A380-800s. The airline said in a statement that it would also take options for another 20 A350s. It also holds options for six more A380s. The huge order marks a high point for Airbus after Singapore announced plans last month to buy 20 787-9 aircraft from Boeing and to take purchase rights on a further 20. The A350s are due to be delivered between 2012 and 2014, and the nine additional A380s will arrive starting in 2008.
