European Planemaker Secures Commitments Worth North Of $15.3 Billion

The 2010 ILA Berlin Air Show has proven profitable for Airbus, with the European planemaker announcing commitments across its broad product range covering a total of 67 aircraft and valued at over $15.3 billion. These commitments include firm orders for 32 A380 aircraft worth around $11.5 billion, plus Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements for a further 35 aircraft totalling around $3.8 billion.

The highlight of the show was the firm order from Emirates Airline for 32 A380s. This latest order from the Dubai based carrier brings its total orders for the A380 to 90 aircraft. Emirates has supported the development of the A380 from the earliest days, and this order is the single largest A380 order ever.

In addition to this firm order, commitments reached at the show included MoUs for 35 aircraft worth approximately $3.8 billion, from:

• TAM Airlines for five A350-900s worth almost $1.3 billion, plus 20 A320 Family aircraft worth around $1.7 billion (comprising six A319s, seven A320s and seven A321s).
• Finnair for five A321s worth $485 million. These aircraft will come equipped with the new performance-enhancing "Sharklet" wingtip device option.
• Germania for five A319s worth $372 million.

"The recessionary tide has turned, and our success at this show proves yet again the world airlines' clear preference for the superior aircraft of Airbus," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, adding "What we have seen at ILA are green shoots of industry recovery. There is more to come as the industry picks up."

FMI: www.airbus.com