Emirates could buy more aircraft

London: Emirates, which has an order-book of 156 aircraft, worth $50 billion (Dh183.5 billion), could opt for more if they are readily available to plug the holes left by the chronic delays in aircraft deliveries, a top official said.

"We are looking at it, if new aircraft are readily available," Tim Clark told Gulf News on Tuesday, responding to the question whether his airline felt it had "over-ordered" a year into the economic slowown.

At the Dubai Airshow in November 2007, Emirates — which currently has a fleet of 139 aircraft — ordered 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated $34.9 billion at list prices.

The agreement with Airbus comprises firm orders for 50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s, plus 50 options for the A350-900s. The first A350 will be delivered to Emirates in 2014.

The airline also firmed up orders on the eight A380s for which it had signed letters of intent earlier this year, and placed firm orders for an additional three of the double-decker aircraft, bringing its total firm order to 58.

"It [the idea of having over-ordered] never occurred in our minds at any point of time. In fact, we are considering buying more if readily available. We need a couple more to expand to new routes and increase frequencies to others as we believe the demand is going to pick up soon and we want to be able to meet that demand."

Emirate's planned growth could be affected by a further five- to six-month delay in the delivery of the Airbus superjumbo A380s, leaving the growth-hungry airline with only 15 A380s by the end of 2010, down from the initially planned 20.

"Our A380 deliveries have been pushed back by five months, that has forced us to re-adjust the schedules," he said.

In the financial year 2007-08, Emirates carried 21.2 million passengers and 1.3 million tonnes of cargo.

As the airline grows by carrying bulk passengers, it requires more high-density aircraft to airlift more passengers per flight to help reduce congestion at the airport.

Praise for superjumbo

The A380 has been part of the airline's growth strategy, Clark said.

"We believe the global economy will pick up in two or three years, which will push travel demand up. We need those aircraft to be able to meet the demand," he added.

Despite the setback, Emirates remains committed to the mammoth plane.

"It's a very good aircraft and flights are running at more than 90 per cent seat load factor. Our passengers are changing schedules and routes to board an A380. It's one of the most advanced aircraft, very quiet [and] the most fuel efficient aircraft. We are happy with it's overall performance," Clark said.

Further orders likely

Emirates airline, the biggest buyer of the superjumbo Airbus A380, said yesterday it is considering increasing its order for the double-decker plane despite delays on existing orders.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said the carrier is looking to boost its order beyond the 58 it has already requested — the most booked by any airline.

"We are considering that, actually," he said when asked about additional orders ahead of next week's Dubai Air Show.

"We're actually looking at the market as very positive for the next few years ... We are always one of the first-movers to take advantage of the market."