But Airbus A380 Is Still Up In The Air

While Airbus is still reeling from losing its second CEO in three months, Aero-News has learned Boeing keeps getting more good news. On Monday, Emirates announced that it has finalized an order for ten Boeing 747-8F freighters.

Emirates SkyCargo will receive its first delivery of Boeing's latest heavy freighter in 2010. Emirates is also awaiting another eight Boeing 777 passenger aircraft due in 2008. The cargo aircraft order is valued at $2.8 billion at Boeing's list price.

This latest model 747 freighter sets a new industry standard with 16% more payload capacity over the 747-400F due to a larger airframe while retaining the nose-door loading capability. Improved wing design and the new GEnx engines will also allow even greater fuel efficiency which stands to give the 747 the lowest trip cost per ton/mile of any cargo jet.

Emirates is becoming an increasing influential player in the Middle-East aviation business, which accounts for 5% of all air freight moved in the world. It is the largest customer by far for the Airbus A380 Superjumbo, but has expressed increasing concern about the company's difficulties. The status of its order for 45 of the huge Airbus aircraft is now in doubt.

FMI: www.emirates.com, www.boeing.com, www.airbus.com