Mexico's lowcost VivaAerobus orders 52 Airbus jets

Airbus announced Monday it had signed its biggest Latin American order from a single airline in its history, with a purchase agreement worth $5.2 billion for 52 aircraft with Mexican budget flyer VivaAerobus.

The order, at a list price of $5.2 billion, will replace the airline's entire fleet of 737-300 to become an all-Airbus carrier by 2016, it said in a statement.

The purchase agreement with VivaAerobus Group includes 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft: 40 A320neo, a more fuel efficient version of the medium haul A320 and 12 A320ceo.

"After evaluating the latest aircraft technology with the objective of further reducing our costs, improving our reliability, punctuality and the overall passenger experience, today we are proud to announce that the Airbus A320 has been our final choice," Juan Carlos Zuazua, VivaAerobus chief executive said.

VivaAerobus would announce the engine selection at a later date, the statement said.

"We are very proud to welcome VivaAerobus to the Airbus family," added John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer.

Airbus had purchase agreements for 2,392 A320neo from 43 clients by the end of September.