DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Airbus announced Wednesday it was walking away from this year's Dubai Airshow with record orders for 163 aircraft from 10 customers, worth an estimated US$28 billion (euro19 billion).
The orders reflect customer confidence in the European aircraft manufacturer, the company stated on its Web site. During the airshow, the company also won its largest ever single order, for 70 A350 XWBs and 11 A380s from Emirates Airline.
Also, 132 commitments from three customers were placed, the company said. Airbus said it also received a firm contract from Yemenia for 10 A350s.
Earlier Wednesday, Airbus said Cairo, Egypt-based airline startup Nile Air placed firm orders for nine Airbus 321s. The aircraft will cost US$792 million (euro539 million) at list prices.
In addition, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Capital committed to acquiring 30 A350s, while C Jet Limited of Hong Kong became the first customer for the VIP version of the plane, the A350XWB Prestige, Airbus said.
''This Airshow has confirmed that Airbus is very much back on the market, continuing to satisfy customers with the right products,'' said Airbus' chief for customers, John Leahy. ''The A380 and A350 XWB have been the highlight of the show, receiving tremendous customer endorsement. They will lead the way in the future in terms of aircraft technology, passenger comfort and environment friendliness.''
The Dubai event also ''reconfirmed the importance of the A380 to the world market,'' the company said.
In addition to the Emirates order for 11 additional aircraft, Airbus received the first order for a private A380. The order was placed by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and opens a new market for Airbus super luxury VIP double-decker jet, already dubbed the Saudi prince's ''flying palace.''
Airbus' single aisle family also continued its success, with 66 firm orders, plus commitments for an additional 101 received from nine customers, including 20 from NAS, 70 from DAE Capital, 22 from Saudi Arabian Airlines, 34 from Air Arabia, eight from Air Blue, nine from Nile Air and four from private customers.
The order from Saudi Arabian Airlines was the first from the airline in 25 years.
The firm orders received during the show also include a firm order for five A330s from Oman Air.
Airbus is owned by European Aeronautic Defense & Space Company. The Dubai Airshow, which opened Sunday in this booming Gulf city-state, ends Thursday.
