US$23b Emirates order injects new life into Airbus A380

[DUBAI] Emirates' whopping order for 50 of the world's biggest jets should end doubts about the A380 that have tested the nerve of manufacturer Airbus, the airline's chief said, adding it was so sure of filling the planes it might have bought 10 more.

The record US$23 billion A380 order at the Dubai Airshow turned round the fortunes of a recently slow-selling jet that is synonymous not only with Europe's industrial ambitions, but also the rapid growth of its largest customer.

"For us the A380 is the future. And we don't like anyone talking about it not being around," Emirates airline president Tim Clark told Reuters an interview. "I want to make this absolutely clear, to Airbus and the EADS board, that we are here for the long term. We will take more if we can, we have demonstrated that."