Airbus is poised to finalise a deal worth an estimated $8 billion with three major Latin American airlines for almost 200 A320 family aircraft. TACA group of El Salvador, LanChile and Brazil's TAM are expected to sign a firm order for around 90 aircraft, with options on another 100 aircraft to replace Boeing 737s. LanChile has taken 20 firm orders and 20 options. TAM is expected to be the first to take delivery, during 1999. International Aero Engines V2500-A5s will power the aircraft.
Source: Flight International