Yemenia, the official carrier of Yemen has struck a deal worth $700 million with Airbus for purchasing 10 Airbus aircrafts. The agreement signed on the sidelines of the three-day Bahrain International Air Show is aimed to enhance its fleet size for expanding its operations in the Gulf, Middle East, Africa, India and southern Europe.

Yemen flag-carrier will replace its existing fleet for revamping its operations and strengthening its competitiveness in the market. Speaking at the first Bahrain Air Show, Yemenia Chief Abdulkhalek Al-Kadi expressed that the airline had already signed a memorandum of understanding at November's Dubai Air Show for acquiring 10 Airbus A320s.

The carrier would get delivery of four A320s next year, two in 2010 and four in 2013. It has also ordered for 10 A350s whose delivery is yet to be confirmed. Al-Kadi added that that the carrier has been working on capacity building and becoming one of the top carriers in the region. He expressed commitment to deliver efficient air services to woo customers and turn it one of the best airlines in the region.