Spain's Air Europa to buy 'up to 40' Airbus long-haul planes

Spanish airline Air Europa on Tuesday said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for "up to 40" A350-900 planes to modernise the long-haul fleet for its key Latin American market.

The announcement at the Dubai Airshow is the European manufacturer's latest win, with low-cost airline flydubai also announcing an order for 150 Airbus A321neo jets on Tuesday.

"The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America," Air Europa's president Juan Jose Hidalgo said in a company statement which did not specify the cost of the order.

"It provides an exceptional cabin experience and the operational performance and economics needed to expand the airline's network without compromise, delivering the highest standards in air travel," said Hidalgo.

The Airbus A350 is "the world's most modern widebody aircraft" and can fly up to 18,000 kilometres without stopping, "setting new standards for intercontinental travel", Air Europa said.