Emirates’ Historic Order

At Dubai’s recent airshow, Emirates announced the biggest ever single order for commercial aircraft; the airline announced orders and commitments for a total of 143 aircraft—131 from Airbus and 12 from Boeing. Most of the aircraft ordered will be delivered after 2014.

The Airbus order included 50 A350XWB-900s and 20 of the -1000 model, with options on another fifty -900s.

Emirates has also increased its firm A380 order from 55 to 58 (plus eight options), while its order with Boeing increases its firm commitment for 777s to 57; this will make it the biggest operator of the type (taking over from Singapore Airlines) when the aircraft are delivered.

The airline has already exceeded its 2003 target to have 100 aircraft by 2010; Emirates’ total order book now stands at 246 aircraft—all widebodies—worth over US$60 billion at list prices.