Gulf airlines splash out at Dubai Airshow

[DUBAI] Gulf airlines splashed out over US$150 billion on new plane deals on day one of the Dubai Airshow, underscoring a shift in power in the aviation industry and giving a boost to the formal launch of Boeing's newest jet, as well as to Airbus's A380 superjumbo.

Under hazy skies, sheikhs and ruling family members of Dubai and neighbouring Abu Dhabi toured rows of passenger jets and arms pavilions at the new 645,000 square metre venue, built to showcase the Middle East's largest aviation hub and take on the industry's traditional showcase events in Britain and France.

Dubai-based Emirates led the buying spree yesterday with an order for 150 of Boeing's new 777 mini-jumbo, in a deal worth US$76 billion at list prices. It also ordered 50 Airbus A380s, the world's biggest passenger plane, worth US$23 billion.