German airline Germania is close to placing an order with European planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA) for around 25 A320-family jets, two industry sources said. The privately-held German carrier operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing jets but has said it aims to harmonize its fleet by switching to all-Airbus aircraft when it takes older Boeing 737-700s out of service. The potential order, which could be worth over $2.5 billion at list prices, will disappoint Boeing which tried to wrestle back its former customer on the eve of the Farnborough Airshow, the sources said, asking not to be named. Germania officials could not immediately be reached for comment. An Airbus spokesman said, "We do not comment on confidential talks which may or may not be happening with our customers." Germania currently operates a medium-haul fleet of 10 Boeing 737-700s, as well as eight Airbus A319s and four A321s. Swiss affiliate Germania operates three Airbus jets, according to latest statistics from the planemaker. The airline first ordered Airbus jets in 2010, having previously operated mainly Boeing airplanes. Chief executive Karsten Balke told Reuters last year it still had purchase rights for further Airbus aircraft and would use them "when we get the right price". Berlin-based Germania focuses on Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and recently announced a co-operation with Spanish carrier Air Europa. If confirmed, the order could be announced at the upcoming July 11-17 Farnborough Airshow, the sources said. However, the traditional showcase for order announcements is expected to be quieter this year as airlines await direction from a faltering economy after several years of strong demand. Source: Reuters
