Airbus lands Air China deal

Asia's biggest carrier by market value, Air China, will add 100 Airbus jetliners to help meet rising travel demand. The Beijing-based airline didn't specify a timeframe or the type of aircraft it's buying. But analysts believe the order is mainly A320 for short-haul routes. Carriers in China will need 5,260 new planes worth $670 billion through 2031, Boeing forecast in September. China has become the world's biggest source of tourists, overtaking Germany and the United States. (Source: Bloomberg, 05/07/13) Gulf Coast note: The newest A320 final assembly line is being built in Mobile, Ala.