China Southern plans major Airbus purchase

China Southern Airlines announced that it plans to purchase 21 Airbus jets for US$1.3 billion. The first planes are scheduled to be delivered in 2005. The new planes were planned to include 15 Airbus A320-200 and six A319-100 planes, adding to Airbus� current fleet of 125 aircraft. Analysts said China Southern's fleet expansion plans were in response to the growing number of overseas destinations that are being approved for Chinese tour groups.