Preliminary evidence indicates that Etihad Airways has firmed its extensive order for Airbus aircraft and that it includes 25 A350-1000s, the largest member of the twin-jet family.
Airbus is expected also to show six A380s and 20 A320s for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier in the next update to its order books, covering November's activities.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier unveiled a 55-aircraft agreement at the Farnborough Air Show this year but the aircraft have yet to feature on the airframer's books.
But there is evidence, drawn from a source close to the agreement, that Etihad's order was concluded on 30 November, and that the A350-1000 will feature.
Etihad's agreement at the show included 10 A380s but four of these will replace a previous Etihad order for four of the type, giving a net increase of six.
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Sources close to the Etihad deal insist that the Middle Eastern airline considered the order firm at the time of the air show, adding that deposits have been paid, and point to the delay in finalising the order book as being an Airbus matter.
Reports from the Middle East suggest that the Etihad deal has been linked with investment agreements in the region. Airbus could not immediately be reached to comment or confirm specific details of the Etihad order.
The airframer is expected to release its updated order data in the next few days.
There is no indication yet that Spanish firm Marsans' 61-Airbus order has been included in the latest figures. But BOC Aviation's order for 17 A319s and three A320s, plus Air Arabia's additional 10 A320s, are tipped to push Airbus' net total to 756 aircraft.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
