Private airline in Airbus, GE deals

Wuhan-based East Star Airlines, China's fourth registered private airline, has signed a US$1.5 billion agreement with Airbus and GE Commercial Aviation Service, in what is shaping up to be the largest single order with these companies from a mainland private airline, state media reported. Under the agreement, East Star would buy and lease 20 Airbus A319s and 320s to be delivered in the next five years. The ariline is slated to begin service next May.