BOC Aviation, which is wholly owned by Bank of China, said Friday it has ordered five A330-200F cargo aircraft from European manufacturer Airbus.

The planes are scheduled for delivery in 2012 and 2013, the leading Singapore-based aircraft leasing company said in a statement.

The order, whose value was not revealed, was announced at the biennial Singapore Air Show Friday.

Robert Martin, BOC Aviation Chief Executive Officer, said in the statement that the contract marked the first time that BOC Aviation has ordered cargo aircraft directly from a manufacturer.

"This order reflects our confidence in strong future demand for widebody production freighter aircraft," Martin said.

"The payload capability and range of the A330-200F make it an appealing choice in the mid-size category and we feel sure that the aircraft will provide us with a strong return on our investment," he added.

The A330-200F is a twin engine widebody aircraft capable of carrying 64 metric tons over 4,000 nautical miles/7,400 kilometers in its standard version. It is an all-freight version of the popular A330-200 passenger aircraft.

BOC Aviation has more than 70 aircraft flying with 29 airlines worldwide. It also has another 65 aircraft on firm orders for delivery through to 2013, including the five A330-200F and 20 single-aisle A320s.

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2008)