Gulf airlines have splashed out over $150 billion on new plane deals showing the shift in power in the aviation industry.
On day one of the Dubai Airshow, Dubai-based Emirates ordered 150 of Boeing’s new 777s and 50 Airbus A380s.
With demand from other Gulf carriers including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, Boeing announced commitments for a total of 259 of the new 777 jet – worth about $100 billion – the largest combined order in its history.
The Gulf airlines are competing for a share of the market flooding the region due to its location between East and West and growing prosperity.
Boeing agreed deals for 30 of its 787 Dreamliners with Etihad and for over 100 of its 737 planes with budget carrier flydubai.
While Airbus announced a deal for 87 aircraft with Etihad, in addition to the Emirates deal, including options for 30 more.
