Receives 295 Orders And Commitments During Four-Day Event

Airbus ended the 10th Dubai Air Show with major orders, which the European planemaker says reinforces customer confidence in its product range.

During the show, Airbus received 163 firm orders, valued at over $28 billion at list prices, from 10 customers. Airbus also won its largest ever order in terms of value for 70 A350 XWBs and 11 A380s from Emirates. In addition, it received 132 commitments from three customers.

"This air show has confirmed that Airbus is very much back on the market, continuing to satisfy customers with the right products," said Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. "The A380 and A350 XWB have been the highlight of the show, receiving tremendous customer endorsement. They will lead the way in the future in terms of aircraft technology, passenger comfort and environment friendliness."

After years of lukewarm interest from carriers -- and three redesigns -- demand for the upcoming A350 XWB was very strong, with a total of 80 firm orders from two customers. In addition to the Emirates order for 70 aircraft, Airbus received a firm contract from Yemenia for ten A350s. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital (DAE-Capital) also committed to acquire 30 A350s, while C Jet Limited of Hong Kong became the first customer for the VIP version of the plane, the A350XWB Prestige. Total firm orders for the type now stand at 276 from 11 customers.

Airbus said the Dubai show also reconfirmed the importance of the A380 to the world market. In addition to the Emirates order for 11 additional aircraft, Airbus received the first order for a private A380. The order was placed by HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, and opens a new market for the superjumbo airliner.

Still, the biggest news continued to be the popularity of Airbus' bread-and-butter A320 Family of single-aisle airliners. The planemaker received 66 firm orders for its narrowbody line, plus commitments for an additional 101 received from nine customers -- including 20 from NAS, 70 from DAE Capital, 22 from Saudi Arabian Airlines, 34 from Air Arabia, eight from Air Blue, nine from Nile Air and four from private customers. The order from Saudi Arabian Airlines was the first from the airline in 25 years.

Airbus also earned a firm order for five A330s from Oman Air.

FMI: www.airbus.com