Emirates places order for 15 A350s after engine row

Emirates on Thrusday announced an order for 15 additional Airbus A350-900s at the Dubai Airshow 2023, worth $6 billion, taking Emirates’ total A350 order book to 65 units.

 

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: "The A350-900s will add to our fleet mix and we are pleased to announce additional orders for this aircraft type. We plan to deploy our A350s to serve a range of new markets including long-haul missions of up to 15 hours flying time from Dubai. We will work closely with Airbus and Rolls-Royce to ensure our aircraft deliver the best possible operating efficiency and flying experience for our customers."

 

The trimmed-down order comes after a row over the engines used in the planes. Emirates Airline President Tim Clark warned Airbus and Rolls-Royce on Tuesday that increased engine downtime in harsh Gulf conditions - as well as higher prices for servicing - stood in the way of an order for between 35 and 50 A350-1000 jets, a Reuters report said.

 

"Emirates’ orders this week are all carefully planned to support our future growth and the Dubai economic vision set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Emirates experience is often the first visitor experience of Dubai – and we want it to be the best," said Shaikh Ahmed.

 

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, said: "With this agreement we mark another solid step forward in the long standing relationship agreement between Emirates and Airbus. A relationship founded on a pursuit of innovation, efficiency and operational excellence. Just as the A380 established itself at the heart of Emirates operations, we are equally proud of what the A350 will do in the years to come."

 

The first A350 is scheduled to join Emirates’ fleet in August 2024, and with Thursday's additional orders, Emirates will receive A350 deliveries until early 2028.

 

Including its order for 95 additional Boeing aircraft on Monday, Emirates will have a total order book of 310 wide-body aircraft. - TradeArabia News Service