Airbus and Emirates ‘settle past issues’ with new A380 order

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 08 May 2007 8:17

European plane maker Airbus has received a welcome boost with the reaffirmation of an order for 43 of its A380 superjumbo aircraft from Dubai-based Emirates – and a contract for another four.

Emirates, which was one of the aircraft’s first customers, is also reported as having settled its compensation claim for delivery delays which have blighted the Airbus A380 programme. Airbus’ recent problems have seen it fall from a briefly held ascendancy over American rival Boeing and announce a swingeing cost saving initiative.

Emirates will now begin receiving its first A380 aircraft in the third quarter of 2008.

Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "We have repeatedly said we are committed to the A380 and, having now fully settled all past issues, this latest agreement should leave no one in any doubt about our faith in Airbus, the company and the quality of the aircraft we are committing to. The Airbus A380 will be instrumental in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger demand and will do it using one of the most efficient and greenest aircraft ever produced."

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