Airbus, the world's largest maker of commercial aircraft, has won an order from Aer Lingus Group for 12 planes valued at US$2.4 billion at list prices.

The Irish carrier, which has an all-Airbus fleet, signed a purchase order for six long-range A350XWBs and six twin-engine A330s. "Substantial discounts" have been negotiated, the airline said.

The contract is a boost for Airbus' A350, which coming five years behind Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, had a firm order book until now of only 13 planes compared with 567 Dreamliners on order with Boeing.

Aer Lingus has also taken options for another six A350XWBs. "These aircraft are key to our growth ambitions ..." said Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion.