France, Sept. 23 -- China's Xiamen Airlines hasordered 40 new aircraft fromAirbus, becoming the latest Chinese carrier to favour the European manufacturer over US rival Boeing.

Xiamen Airlines is "switching to Airbus for its fleet growth, making the airline the newest Airbus customer," the manufacturer said in a statementon Thursday.

Until nowthe airline, part of the China Southern group, has exclusively flown Boeing aircraft.

Airbus said that Xiamen Airlines "placed a firmorder" for 40 A320neo family aircraft.

At list prices, the order would be worth more $4 billion, but airlines usually negotiate considerable discounts when ordering multiple aircraft.International tensions

The order comes nearly three months after four Chinese airl...