Emirates places record aircraft order

Dubai’s Emirates, the Arab world’s largest airline, has placed an $11-billion (U.S.) order for 32 A380 superjumbo jets from EADS’s Airbus unit in a surprise opening to the Berlin Air Show.

Airbus called the unexpected vote of confidence the largest commercial aircraft order by dollar value ever. It came as EADS showed off the capabilities of its embattled A400M military transporter plane and as it faces a dispute with German military bosses over problems with two of its new helicopters.

Emirates’ order would be worth just over $11-billion at a list price of $346.5-million per plane, though airlines typically receive discounts for large orders.