China signed a deal to buy 150 single-aisle passenger jets from Airbus, worth $9.7 billion at list prices, in a boost for the European planemaker in its battle with US rival Boeing.
The agreement, signed during a visit to France by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, is for the A320 family, which comprises four aircraft capable of seating 107 to 185 passengers.
Under deals announced by French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin at a news conference, China also signed an agreement with Eurocopter, the world's largest civilian helicopter maker, to co-develop a 6-tonne helicopter.
China's three biggest airlines -- China Southern, China Eastern and Air China -- are among the buyers, airline executives said.
Others said to have asked the state buying agency for a piece of the deal include Sichuan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines.
