Nepal Airlines has signed an agreement for the acquisition of up to six Airbus aircraft, including three A320s and up to three A330-200s.

The memorandum of understanding, which Airbus chief operating officer customers John Leahy says is the airline's first new acquisition for 25 years,  covers two firm orders - one A320 and one A330-200 valued at $250 million - plus options on four more (two A320s, one A330 and one undecided but likely to be an A330). Delivery of the A320 is due in September 2010 with the A330 following in the first half of 2011.

Nepal A320
 © Airbus

Nepal Airlines, which currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of two 757-200s, has not selected engines but says it expects to decide within the next two weeks.

Source: Flight International