Emirates signs LoI for 30 Airbus A350XWBs and 30 A330-300s

Dubai-based Emirates Airline, which took delivery of its first Airbus A380 on Monday, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for 30 Airbus A350XWB plus 30 A330-300s.

At the 10th Dubai Airshow in 2007, Emirates signed a firm order for 70 A350 XWBs with an option for 50 more. The LoI signed on Monday includes the firming up of 30 of these A350 XWB options and will eventually increase Emirates’ total order for the A350 XWB to 100.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, said, “Dubai's aims to attract 15 million visitors a year by 2012 and Emirates is forging ahead with expansion plans. The A350 XWB and A330 will enable Emirates to expand using modern fuel efficient aircraft and alongside the A380 will be key tools in achieving our goals.”

With a wide-body fuselage, the A330-300 has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Optimized for the medium to extended range market, the A330-300 offers a good balance between range and cost, which is reinforced by today's high fuel prices.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus’ response to Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers in a typical three-class layout.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Promotions, New Hotels, Emirates, Airbus, A350, A330