China Southern Airlines said today it had ordered 20 Airbus Industrie A350-XWB wide-bodied aircraft for use on its international routes.

The aircraft, whose wings and newly-developed Rolls-Royce fuel efficient engines are manufactured in the UK, will join China Southern’s extensive fleet of over 300 Airbus types, including the A320 short-haul model, the A330 series, and the giant A380 aircraft.

Tang Wengeng, president of China Southern, said "With its long range capability, economic fuel consumption and spacious cabin, the A350-XWB is the ideal choice for our international long-haul routes."

The A350-XWB utilises carbon-fiber fuselage and wing sections, and the manufacturers claim a 25 percent drop in fuel-burn and emissions, with much lower maintenance costs.

Airbus Industrie, based in Toulouse, southern France, now has 41 firm orders for the A350-XWB from 45 clients worldwide. China Southern is based in Guangzhou.

No price tag was put on the China Southern deal but Airbus lists the price per aircraft at $356 million on its official website.