Sharjah-based Air Arabia announced at the Dubai Air Show that it would buy 49 A320 aircraft from Airbus for about 3.5 billion dollar (at list prices).
The low-cost carrier of West Asia and North Africa has signed a contract with Airbus for 34 A320 with an option for 15 more, Air Arabia said in a statement.
"Our vision is to be one of the world's leading low-cost carriers in terms of profit margins, innovation, reputation and operational excellence. Having the A320 at the heart of our fleet is the best and quickest way we can achieve this," Air Arabia Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani said.
The deal would more than triple the size of Air Arabia's fleet and underlines its stated ambition to increase its total operating fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2015.