Hong Kong Airlines has confirmed an order for 10 Airbus A380 aircraft at a list price of $3.8 billion.

The airline signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the aircraft at the Paris Air Show in June 2011, but the deal was only confirmed last month, said a spokeswoman.

With the new aircraft, due to be delivered from 2015, the carrier will introduce long-haul services to destinations including Paris, London and Sydney, she added.

Airbus said at the Paris Air Show it signed a tentative agreement for 10 A380s with an undisclosed customer.

Industry sources told Flightglobal Pro in November 2011 that Hong Kong Airlines was discussing with Airbus to take over the A380 slots that were previously filled by Australia’s Qantas Airways.

Qantas has deferred the delivery of six A380s, which it was due to receive in 2014.

Source: Pro