PARIS/BEIJING, April 25 (Reuters) - Airbus is

in talks with China over a potentially major aircraft order

ahead of a visit to France by Chinese President Xi Jinping in

May, two people familiar with the matter said.

One of the people said the package could involve hundreds of

jets, but the other cautioned talks are at a preliminary stage.

Airbus declined comment and China's CASC buying agency could

not be reached for immediate comment.