The letter of Intent was signed at the 47th International Paris Air show at le Bourget between Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Emirates Group and Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO.

Emirates was a launch customer for the A380 and already had the largest number of aircraft on order. The A380 fleet will start deliveries in the third quarter of 2008.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Emirates Group stated, “this should leave no one in any doubt about our commitment to Airbus’ very large aircraft. The A380 will offer our customers the latest standards in comfort and Emirates Airline new standards of operational efficiency.”

Airbus advertises the A380 as “cleaner, greener, quieter and smarter” and setting new standards for transport and the environment. According to the manufacturer, per passenger, the A380 is as fuel efficient as a small economical family car.

Emirates will operate its A380s in three separate configurations of 490, 514 and 644 passengers.

Date posted: 20-Jun-07