China Airlines (CI, Taipei Taoyuan) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for eleven A321neo during the ongoing 2019 Paris Air Show at Paris Le Bourget.

According to a statement, the Taiwanese airline will now finalize negotiations with the Europeans over delivery slots as well as contract terms and conditions.

Last month, China Airlines said that as part of its fleet renewal drive, it would initially lease fourteen A321neo from 2021 onwards. In addition, the tentative deal with Airbus over eleven A321neo would also include five options, it said at the time.

China Airlines currently operates eighteen B737-800s while its Tigerair Taiwan (IT, Taipei Taoyuan) subsidiary operates eleven A320ceo.

In a related matter, China Airlines has also reaffirmed its intention to order up to six B777-Fs from Boeing to renew its cargo fleet which currently numbers eighteen B747-400(FSCD)s. The carrier has previously stated the order, if sealed, would entail three firm and three optional B777 freighters.