French President Francois Hollande will meet Airbus president Fabrice Bregier on Monday to discuss "a major industrial deal," Hollande's office said in a statement on Sunday. "It's a new deal," said a source close to the Elysee presidential palace, who declined to give any details.
Industry sources have been expecting Airbus, part of European aerospace group EADS, to announce a significant order from an Asian buyer. The deal will be signed at the launch of France's "Industry Week," which is held March 18-24, the statement said.