According to news sources Indian, formerly Indian Airlines, has signed an agreement to acquire 43 Airbus planes. The deal is worth $2.5 billion.It is the first expansion for the sub continent’s main airline in 15 years.

The deal was signed by Airbus vice president Kiran Rao and Indian chairman Vishwapati Trivedi.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and French President Jacques Chirac who has been visiting India attended the ceremony.

“It is a big order with a value of over $2.5 billion. It is a great achievement,” Noel Forgeard, head of parent group European defence group (EADS), told reporters.

The deal has been in the offing since 2003 and reached a “happy conclusion today,” Forgeard explained.
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