Emirates signs for more A380s

NEW ORDER: Emirates signed for eight additional Airbus A380s, bringing to 55 its total order of this advanced double-decker aircraft.

Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum signed the Letter of Intent with Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois, at the Paris Air Show. The deal is worth an estimated US$2.6 billion in list prices.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “The A380 is a technologically-advanced aircraft that fits perfectly with our projected growth strategy. Every single one of the A380s we have ordered has been carefully planned for Emirates’ present and future requirements.

“The A380 will be instrumental in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger demand using one of the most efficient, quietest and greenest aircraft ever produced. It will give us some of the lowest seat costs in the industry, and will allow us to offer more passenger comfort and amenities onboard.”

Emirates will take delivery of its first A380, powered by GP7200 engines, in the third quarter of 2008. The eight additional aircraft ordered today are expected to be delivered over 16 months, starting from July 2011.