Dubai: Boeing came up short against archrival Airbus in the battle for Emirates orders yesterday but vowed it was still in contention for other business from the Dubai carrier.
The Seattle firm took in a $3.2 billion order for 12 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Emirates. By contrast, Emirates placed a record-breaking $31.7 billion order with Airbus for 131 aircraft - the largest civil aviation contract in history.
The airline said it plans to use the 777 aircraft as the backbone of its long range fleet and serve the Americas, the Far East and Australia.
Emirates currently has 53 777s in its fleet. With yesterday's announcement Emirates now has another 57 on order, and the news reaffirms its faith in the long-range airplane and also makes the airline the largest 777 customer. |
