Winnipeg's New Flyer Industries says Halifax Regional Council has approved the purchase of up to 80 of its Xcelsior clean diesel 40-foot heavy-duty buses.

The contract includes a firm order of 22 buses with options to purchase an additional 58.

Production of the buses is expected to be start in the third quarter and be completed by the end of the year.

New Flyer builds heavy-duty transit buses in Canada and the United States.