China meanwhile has ambitions to break into the $100 billion annual market for passenger jets, but still depends on large volumes of imported jets from the two major Western planemakers.

Some industry officials believe it has under-estimated its needs in recent years and may have to accelerate jet orders.

China is the world's fastest-growing airline market and is set to outstrip the United States as the biggest single market for air transport within 10 years.

The latest deal for 70 jets, signed between Airbus and China's central purchasing agency, has yet to be finalised but "has the value of a firm order," Bregier said.

"Now we are very close to having a 50-percent market share on the Chinese market," he added.

Bregier said the 70 aircraft, which have yet to be allocated to individual airlines, include current-generation A320 and A321 models, with list prices of $94 million to $110 million.

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