The sale follows Libyan Airlines' firm order for 15 Airbus jets on Monday, including four A350-800s. At the end of November, Airbus said it has 286 A350 XWB planes on order.

Taiwan's largest carrier signed a letter of intent for the purchase of up to 20 A350-900 jets, which it intends to begin using in 2015.

At list prices, the 20 jets would cost $4.6 billion, though airlines usually negotiate substantial discounts. The actual price was not disclosed.

Powered with Rolls-Royce Trent 1883 engines, China Airlines Ltd. will use the planes mainly on its long-haul routes to Europe, Australia and the United States.

Airbus was forced into a costly redesign of its A350 wide-bodied plane, competitor to Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner, which won't enter service until 2013.

Boeing Co. delayed initial delivery of the Dreamliner until the end of next year because of assembly problems, and said Nov. 12 it has 739 Dreamliners on order.

Boeing said Tuesday that its schedule for the 787 Dreamliner remains on track and it did not expect further delays.

In a separate announcement, Airbus said Saudi Arabian Airlines has signed firm contracts for 22 A320 single-aisle jets. The contract follows the signature of a memorandum of understanding for the aircraft during the Dubai Air Show in November.