Emirates is to take pole position on the Airbus A3XX programme by becoming the first customer to formally sign a letter of intent (LoI) for up to 10 of the ultra-large aircraft.
The Dubai-based airline was the first of the A3XX supporters to declare its interest in April, signing a "letter of interest" for 10 of the 550-seaters - five firm and five options - for delivery from 2006.
It is understood Emirates has now confirmed the plan and may sign the LoI at the show for a similar number of A3XXs, which will be firmed up once the programme has received its full industrial launch, expected later this year. Airbus Industrie declines to comment on the order.
When the letter of interest was signed, Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said the carrier might take two as the 150t payload freighter version.
Although the choice of engine is not known, the airline is a major Rolls-Royce customer and is likely to favour the Trent 900 over the General Electric Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance GP7200.
Airbus commercially launched the A3XX in June after receiving letters of interest from nine customers for more than 60 aircraft. The manufacturer is seeking to convert these to firm deals, aiming for 30-50 commitments from a mix of customers, to enable the full industrial launch to be made. Assuming this takes place as scheduled, A3XX deliveries will begin in late 2005.
Emirates has enjoyed average passenger growth of at least 10% a year since its launch in 1985. It would initially deploy the airliner on its prime Dubai-London route, on which it already operates four widebody frequencies a day.
Source: Flight International
