In a bid to grab a greater market share, newly launched Kingfisher Airlines Wednesday signed a contract with Airbus to purchase 15 aircraft.

The order was for 10 A350-800s and A380s for intercontinental services and five A330-200s for regional routes, a company statement said.

Deliveries of Airbus A330s will begin in the third quarter of 2007, those of the double-deck A380s in 2010, and of the A350s in 2012.

However, the engine selection is yet to be announced.

Kingfisher will use its A330s on regional routes while the A350s and A380s are destined for longer non-stop flights - such as to the US.

"These new Airbus aircraft, with their unmatched passenger appeal, economy and commonality, will give us the lead in the industry," said Vijay Mallya, chairman of UB Group, the parent company of Kingfisher Airlines.

"We'll begin with the Airbus A330, which is a great aircraft and later will create a sensation with the 21st century flagship A380, before adding the world's newest airliner, the A350," Mallya told reporters.

Speaking about the benefits of Airbus aircraft, the company's CEO Noël Forgeard said: "Our Airbus A330, A350 and A380 are clearly the right aircraft for the strongly growing Indian aviation industry.

"And Kingfisher is certain to gain from it."

Kingfisher Airlines had earlier ordered 10 A320s and three A319s from Airbus.