Report: Airbus close to major deal

Reuters is reporting that sources tell it AirAsia is close to a deal to buy up to 100 Airbus jets. That puts Asia's largest budget carrier on course for expansion. The deal for A320 family jets is potentially worth $9 billion. Demand from Asian low-cost carriers is helping to drive production at Airbus and Boeing to record levels. (Source: Reuters, 09/08/12) Gulf Coast note: Airbus said in July that it's building a $600 million A320 assembly line in Mobile, Ala., to help meet demand.