Vietnam Airlines has agreed to buy six new aircraft, including four A380 superjumbos, from Airbus, according to a list of deals signed between France and Vietnam during a visit to Hanoi by the French Prime Minister.

In addition to the A380s, the deal includes two A350XWB-900 wide-body planes and is worth about USD$1.79 billion at list prices.

The agreement between the flag carrier and Airbus also includes an industrial partnership to build parts for Airbus and the establishment of a pilot and engineer training center in the country.

The deal is a boost for Airbus on the eve of the Dubai airshow at which it will scrap with US rival Boeing for the thinning pile of orders due to the global economic crisis.

Vietnam Airlines officials have recently expressed concern about production delays to its order of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The carrier had intended to use the aircraft to serve its long haul services including direct flights to the United States.