Airbus confirms order for 25 A320neos from Kuwait’s Wataniya Airways

European plane maker Airbus has confirmed a deal for 25 A320neo aircraft with Wataniya Airways supplier Golden Falcon Aviation at the Dubai Airshow.

The deal, worth $2.7bn at list prices, will see the planes added to Wataniya’s existing fleet of two A320neos.

The Kuwaiti airline resumed operations in July 2017 after a six-year absence blamed on its financial situation and political instability in the Middle East.

It plans to launch services to 16 destinations in Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, India, Pakistan and Europe, after resuming services to markets including Tbilisi, Baku and Sarajevo.

Read: Kuwait’s Wataniya Airways to resume operations this week

“We are looking forward to upgrading and further enhancing our fleet,” said Wataniya chairman Ali Al Fouzan.

“The addition of the aircraft will enable us to further strengthen our network as we continue to serve our valued customers.”

Securing a major deal was considered key for Airbus amid continued speculation surrounding a potential A380 order with Dubai airline Emirates at the airshow this week.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates wants guarantee on A380 output before placing new order

Rival Boeing secured a $15.1bn order for 40 B787-10 Dreamliners from Emirates on Sunday.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates announces $15.1bn order for Boeing 787s