SINGAPORE (AFP) - Airbus' flagship A380 got a fresh lift on Wednesday after leasing firm Amedeo firmed up its order for 20 of the superjumbo aircraft in a deal worth US$8.3 billion (S$10 billion).

The two firms signed the purchase agreement at the Singapore Airshow.

The European plane maker had suffered some setbacks last year after the discovery of cracks on some of the giant aircrafts' wings.

But John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer for customers, said: "This firm order from Amedeo is a clear recognition of the A380's long-term market appeal.

"The A380 is the best tool for airlines to capture growth and increase profits." Amedeo, formerly Doric Lease Corp, is the world's biggest manager of leased A380s.

Amedeo chief executive Mark Lapidus said the signing of the agreement "is a great day for aviation as we offer airlines a new, more flexible way to access the unique benefits of the A380 through our tailored leasing solutions".

He added in the statement that "as world air traffic continues to double every 15 years and airport infrastructure and slots do not, the A380 is the best solution for airlines to capture that growth".

Speaking at a media briefing, Lapidus said: "In comparable comfort and configuration the A380 will offer lower yield cost economics and better product offering.

"Put it in the right routes at peak traffic times and it is an unbeatable profit generating machine for airlines." The orders will be delivered from 2016 to 2020.

Amedeo said it will announce its engine selection for the orders at a later date.

"We want to have about 30 orders (overall) for the A380 this year," Leahy said.

Airbus said more than 120 A380s are now in operation worldwide since its launch in 2007.