China Eastern Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 A350-900 aircraft, making the airline the latest customer for the aircraft.

“The introduction of A350 XWB will play a very important role in promoting our operational capability, profitability and service brand on our international long haul routes and opening a new chapter in the international development of China Eastern Airlines,” said Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines operates one of the largest Airbus fleet in the world with nearly 300 Airbus aircraft in service, comprising A320 Family and A330 Family.

With this latest order, Airbus has recorded 803 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 43 customers worldwide. So far 20 A350 XWBs have been delivered to five customers worldwide.