Aviation news: source says Emirates likely to place order with Boeing at air show

Boeing Co., the world’s second- biggest commercial-jet maker, is set to win an order from Emirates Airline at the Farnborough Air Show, according to two people familiar with the agreement.

Boeing Co., the world’s second- biggest commercial-jet maker, is set to win an order from Emirates Airline at the Farnborough Air Show, according to two people familiar with the agreement.

The Dubai government-owned carrier and the Chicago-based planemaker will announce an order for about 20 777s wide-body jets tomorrow, said one of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not yet been announced. The deal would be valued at almost $5 billion at list prices.

Emirates, the biggest Arab airline, said last month it will announce new aircraft orders at the show. The company also last month placed an order for 32 Airbus SAS A380 superjumbo jets, valued at $11 billion, as it seeks to expand its position as the world’s largest international airline, funneling passengers through its Dubai base.

Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates and Qatar Airways Ltd. have become major buyers of commercial aircraft as they seek to use their geographical advantage to build a global network. Emirates can reach 95 percent of the world’s population from Dubai on an A380, Airbus said yesterday.

Emirates’ order of additional A380 superjumbo will push its fleet to 90 of the world’s largest passenger jet. The Boeing 777 typically seats between 300 and 400 passengers, making it the company’s second-largest commercial jet behind the 747 jumbo. Boeing is bringing its smaller 787 Dreamliner to the Farnborough Air show, and the aircraft landed today in its first appearance in Europe.

Airbus Chief Operating Officer John Leahy said yesterday that he aims to double the 131 orders received so far this year during the air show. Airbus unseated Boeing as the world’s largest maker of passenger jets in 2003.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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