With the purchase, a spokesman says Lion is hoping to grab a bigger share of the largely untapped domestic market and become a leading regional player.

Also Thursday, Chicago-based Boeing signed a deal with Japanese manufacturers for work on the new 787 jet. The agreement involves Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries.

The deal for the fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner is a victory for the Japanese manufacturers. They're taking part in the jet's development and will be responsible for making 35 percent of the plane.