Financial Times

Emirates places biggest aircraft order in history

DUBAI - At last week's Paris Air Show, Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, announced that it has placed the biggest order in civil aviation history -- worth $19 billion (approx. 70 billion Dirhams).

The fast-growing carrier confirmed purchase orders for 21 more Airbus A380-800s, and leasing orders for two A380-800s. The additional 23 aircraft brings Emirates' total order for the giant double-deck jetliner to 45, the most ordered by any airline.

At the same time, Emirates announced operating lease orders for 26 Boeing 777-300ERs, 14 from General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and 12 from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), and powered by General Electric GE90-115B engines.

They will provide much-needed extra capacity on existing routes and help it continue to expand its network, which has already risen to 66 cities in 46 countries since services started in 1985.

Emirates also announced orders for more four-engined A340s, purchasing two more ultra-long-range A340-500s and 18 of the larger A340-600 Higher Gross Weight aircraft, as well as leasing two A340-600s from ILFC, the International Lease Finance Corporation. This makes Emirates the launch customer for the A340-600 HGW.

The confirmed orders announced in Paris, along with those revealed at the Dubai Air Show two years ago, bring Emirates' current total order book to $26 billion.