Airbus, which designs and part builds aircraft wings at Filton, is aiming to tempt American Airlines away from US rival Boeing by offering preferential financing worth £3.7bn.
It has put together a team of lenders and leasing firms to win a heavily discounted order with a catalogue value of almost $23bn, reports the Wall Street Journal. if Airbus is successful it would be significant boost to the European firm, which traditionally has struggled to win sales in Boeing's back yard.
Airbus's offer includes 260 aircraft, half made up of current-generation A320s and half its A320neo airliners whose new engines and pioneering Filton-innovated wing designs deliver a 15% saving on fuel.
In response, Boeing is said to be offering 737-800s and 737-900 Extended Range planes – although pricing and financing terms are unclear. A decision could come from American Airlines as early as next week.
Meanwhile back at Filton a public meeting, attended by around 200 residents, is reported to have backed calls for the airfield to be saved. It is due to close next year and owner BAE Systems is looking at proposals to redevelop the site with up to 5,000 homes.
The BBC reports that residents want to see the runway preserved and the land used for the aviation industry.
The Tory MP for Bradley Stoke, Jack Lopresti, said there was "serious concern in terms of housing".
Airbus has said it is committed to staying in Filton despite the airfield closure.
