Two Middle East carriers – Emirates and Qatar Airways – have confirmed multibillion dollar aircraft orders.
Dubai based Emirates placed orders worth $23.4 billion – rising to almost $35 billion when options are included – in a deal described as the largest ever order in civil aviation.
The airline is to take 120 Airbus A350s, 11 double-decker A380s and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs. This takes Emirates’ orders for the A380 mega jumbo up to 58 aircraft and it will be the biggest operator of 777s. The first A350 will be delivered in 2014.
Qatar Airways placed 30 firm orders and placed 30 options on Boeing 787 Dreamliners plus 27 Boeing 777s and five options.
The firm orders are worth $13.5 billion. Deliveries will be from 2010.
by Phil Davies
