Emirates signed a host of agreements yesterday worth a total of $1.13 billion. Hot on the heels of a deal for 13 Boeing aircraft worth almost $3 billion on the previous day, the agreements ranged from in-flight entertainment systems to luxurious first class cabins.
The major part of the deal sees Matsushita Avionics Systems (MAS) supplying its eX2 inflight entertainment system in an order worth close to $1 billion.
The eX2 will include interactive audio, video, games, connection and connectivity support, for Emirates' new Airbus fleet including A380-800 double deckers and A340-600HGWs.
Existing
The agreement also includes new systems for existing aircraft and others on order, making MAS the sole supplier of inflight entertainment systems to the Emirates fleet. Some 30% of the $1 billion will be invested in manufacturing and digital media facilities in Dubai.
In a further deal worth $80 million, B/E Aerospace will manufacture first class suites for 31 of Emirates' A380s.
The suites, which include features such as private wardrobes, touch-screen technology, seat in-built massage options and mini bars, were co-designed by Emirates' in-house team and renowned French designer Jacques Pierrejean and are based on first class suites currently installed in the A340-500s. An agreement was also signed with CAE of Montreal for three full-flight simulators.
The $50 million deal for two A380-800 and one A340-600 simulators will support the airline's flight training requirements for its new fleet of Airbus aircraft. The final part of yesterday's deal sees Emirates become the launch customer for Evans & Sutherland's (E&S) complete visual systems for the newly-ordered CAE simulators.
The contract, worth around $5 million, includes upgrades to the Emirates flight college's existing Boeing 777 and A330 and A340 simulators.
DARRYL FINN
Source: Flight Daily News
