Also Signs for 24 787 Dreamliners

Airbus may claim a new customer for the A380. British Airways this week placed an order for 12 of the superjumbo jets, in a deal worth close to $4 billion.

The order is the first new customer for the A380 in two years, reports the Associated Press.

"British Airways' decision is another breakthrough for our flagship Airbus A380," said Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders. "After an intensive year-long competitive evaluation British Airways' choice is proof our product is the right aircraft to tackle growth, airport capacity constraints as well as environmental concerns."

The day wasn't entirely Airbus', however, as BA also ordered 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. One analyst says the split order is a sign of confidence in Boeing... and not so much Airbus.

"It consolidates the 787's position as the future transatlantic plane of choice," said Doug McVitie, Managing Director of consultancy firm Arran Aerospace. "But it is undoubtedly good news for Airbus that they've got another A380 order."

The first A380 to enter revenue service, with Singapore Airlines, is scheduled to be delivered to the carrier in October... over two years after originally promised.

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