Passengers are promised more headroom, larger overhead storage space and wider panoramic windows than current Airbus models.

But other Airbus models have been involved in a string of disasters.

At 153 feet long, it is in the middle range of Airbus models, bigger than the A320 but smaller than the A300 and the A330.

Eventually, 727's and older 757's and 767's will be covered, as well as some Airbus models, they said.

For most Airbus models the company is responsible for overall design and supply of landing gear.

Airbus said it had received orders for the first 18 of its A321-100's, a stretched Airbus model announced three weeks ago.

British Airways said the Airbus model, with a list price of $470 million for the 12 firm orders, would fit better with its short-haul fleet.

Boeing's 747, which is much bigger than any Airbus model, gives Boeing a a wider range of aircraft sizes.

In Japan, however, the Airbus models had a share of only 26 percent, the lowest of any market in the world.

The airline also has 11 earlier Airbus models, which are still flying, along with Boeing 737's.