Airbus has finally received some good news regarding its A380 programme as Emirates announces an order for four more of the ultra-large aircraft.
The deal, at an unspecified price, comes as a welcome endorsement for Airbus” programme and slightly alleviates the disappointment concerning UPS” decision to cancel its A380 freighter order for later this year.
The extra four aircraft now bring to 47 the number of A380s ordered by Emirates, the largest customer for the programme, with the carrier due to receive its first machine in the third quarter of 2008.
”We have repeatedly said we are committed to the A380 and having now fully settled all past issues, this latest agreement should leave no-one in any doubt about our faith in Airbus, the company and the quality of aircraft we are committing to,” said Emirates Group chairman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
”The A380 will be instrumental in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger demand and will do it using one of the most efficient aircraft ever produced.”
A series of route-proving flights across the world is currently under way for the A380, which, with the Emirates order, now has 160 orders from 14 customers. ”A repeat order for the A380 from a leading airline such as Emirates, is a huge vote of confidence for us,” said Airbus president and CEO, Louis Gallois.
”I”d like to thank Emirates for its faith in Airbus and in the world”s 21st century flagship.”