Posted by Trip Unavarsky

In a response to market rumours, Emirates yesterday confirmed they are close to signing a large order with Airbus for a stretch version of the A380. The new model, designated as A380-1400, will have 2 configurations – a 1400 seat standard configuration and a super luxury version for selected routes with seating for just 100. The size of order is yet to be finalised but anticipated to be over 1,000. Delivery of the first of the A380-1200 is expected late 2009, assuming some minor wiring issues can be sorted out.

When asked how this bold move stacks up in the face of rapidly falling passenger numbers, Emirates spokesperson said the airline viewed the capacity reductions of competitors as an opportunity for expansion. At least 50 new routes have been identified in addition to opportunities to upgauge current flights from smaller aircraft.

In related news Dubai will announce tomorrow that a new island for the Dubai III World Airport catering to 500 million passengers a year have hit a snag following their consultants realisation that they had insufficient territorial waters in which to build it. An alternative design of a giant elevated airport is being considered “to better utilise our sheikdom with the added benefit of providing some much needed shade”.

2 Comments »

1. 

   It’s xmas, not fool’s day. Inconsistent news … is it a A380-1400 or a A380-1200 and how in the world could they ever order 1000 airplanes of a size like that. They do have 58 A380-800 on order now (3 of them already in service).

   Comment by Peter — December 25, 2008 @ 11:16 pm

2. 

   Peter – Christmas is the April Fool’s Day of the airline industry. This entire site is a spoof site with fake news.

   Comment by crankyflier — December 26, 2008 @ 7:49 am

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