Airbus Defense and Space won a $500 million contract this week to improve and upgrade French naval vessels’ communication systems.

PARIS — Airbus Defence and Space, together with Naval Group, won a contract worth as much as €480 million (US$504 million) to upgrade the communications system of the French Navy to prepare for collaborative and networked combat.

European planemaker and aerospace company Airbus said on Tuesday it will build the communications network for the French air and naval force under a contract with a maximum value of 480 million euros ($502.

The Japanese airline announced on Tuesday that it has decided to order up to 77 aircraft to support medium-to-long term international growth and meet demand changes in its domestic operations.

Japan's ANA Holdings said on Tuesday it planned to place a company-record order for up to 77 aircraft to replenish its fleet and take advantage of growing demand for travel. The order was its largest ever in terms of aircraft numbers and was worth more than 2.

The rare simultaneous purchase signals ANA's need to expand its procurement at a time when planes are in high demand.