Latest order to help Emirates support its widening network

Dubai: Emirates, which plans to have a fleet of more than 450 aircraft by 2020, on Monday ordered 60 wide-bodied planes from Airbus in a deal worth $13 billion at list prices.

One of the world's fastest growing airlines, Emirates said the acquisition will support its widening international route network. The airline has 118 aircraft in operation at present and flies to about 100 destinations in 61 countries.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, signed a letter of intent with Airbus chief executive officer Tom Enders for 30 A330-300s and 30 A350 XWBs in Hamburg on Monday.

"We are forging ahead with our expansion plans and the A330-300s and A350 XWBs will enable Emirates to continue its growth using modern fuel-efficient aircraft. We remain ambitious and every bit as determined to achieve our long-term goals," Shaikh Ahmad said in a statement.

The airline did not say when the new planes would be delivered.

"We are still in the process of finalising all the details, including delivery and configuration with Airbus," a spokesman told Gulf News.

At the Dubai Airshow in 2007, Emirates signed a firm order for 70 A350 XWBs with an option for 50 more. Yesterday's agreement includes the firming up of 30 of these A350 XWB options and will eventually increase Emirates' total order for the A350 XWB to 100, according to Airbus.

Before the latest order, Emirates had 178 planes on order with a value of $58 billion. These included 58 A380 superjumbos.

The airline has defied a global slowdown in the airline industry amid rising fuel prices. It made a record profit of Dh5 billion in its April 2007-March 2008 financial year.

It carried 21.2 million passengers, representing an increase of 21 per cent over last year. The airline aims to fly 35 million passengers in 2013.

Its ambitious growth is supported by Dubai's rise as a transportation and tourism hub.