Airbus A320neo the star of Dubai Airshow
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Airbus’ A320neo was the top-selling aircraft at this week’s Dubai Airshow. The European planemaker won a total of 135 firm orders worth US$13.7 billion at the event, 130 of which were for the new narrow-body A320neo. Airbus also sealed firm commitments for five A380s and signed MoUs for a further 76 planes, taking its total order book for the event to 211 aircraft worth US$20.5 billion.
Qatar Airways placed the single largest firm order (50 A320neo and five A380s) worth US$6.4 billion at list prices. Aircraft leasing companies ALAFCO (50 A320enos) and ACG (30 A320neos) also placed orders worth a combined US$7.3 billion.
US-based low-cost carrier, Spirit Airlines made the largest commitment at the show for 75 A320 Family aircraft (30 A320s and 45 A320neos) worth US$6.7 billion.
John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer for Customers, commented; “The order intake at this airshow is the second best we’ve ever had at Dubai. Our A320neo has again been the star of the show. But despite some storm clouds on the horizon there is still strong market demand for fuel-efficient aircraft from airlines and lessors.”
Boeing meanwhile, which was displaying its new Dreamliner in Dubai, racked up orders for 50 B777s from Emirates, plus 20 options, worth US$26 billion, plus two B777 Freighters from Qatar Airways, valued at US$560 million. It did also seal an order from Oman Air for six Dreamliners, but this was a transferred from a previous order placed by AFALCO.
Canadian planemaker, Bombardier also sold 10 CS300 jetliners, with options for a further five, to Turkey’s Atlasjet Havacilik, in a deal that could reach US$1.18 billion.