Emirates places record aircraft order

Dubai-based airline Emirates claims to have placed the largest aircraft order in the history of civil aviation.

Emirates has placed an order for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, which it claims is the largest ever aircraft order in civil aviation.

The acquisition is worth over $34.9 billion (£16.7 billion) and will make Emirates the world's largest operator of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of the airline, announced the order at the tenth Dubai Airshow and signed contracts with Airbus bosses Tom Enders and Lee Monson.

The Emirates chairman said that the carrier was investing in its own future as well as the development of Dubai as a worldwide travel hub.

He commented: "In 2003, our plan was for Emirates to have 100 aircraft by 2010. We have already surpassed that target. Growth and demand has exceeded the most optimistic projections.

"Dubai is investing billions to secure its future as a leading centre for business, tourism, and air transport on the global stage. Likewise, Emirates is investing in a fleet for the future, in order to support Dubai's development, as well as the growth of air travel demand around the world."

Emirates currently has a fleet of 111 aircraft, which fly to 97 cities in 61 countries around the world.

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