Dubai based Emirates Airlines has reaffirmed its order for 43 Airbus A380 aircraft and additionally signed a contract for a further four. Emirates will begin receiving its first A380 aircraft in the third quarter of 2008.

Emirates was a launch customers for the A380 and already had the largest number of aircraft on order which has now been increased to 47.

"We have repeatedly said we are committed to the A380 and, having now fully settled all past issues, this latest agreement should leave no one in any doubt about our faith in Airbus, the company and the quality of the aircraft we are committing to," said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Emirates Group. "The Airbus A380 will be instrumental in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger demand and will do it using one of the most efficient and greenest aircraft ever produced."

"A repeat order for the A380 from a leading airline like Emirates is a huge vote of confidence for Airbus. Emirates have great ambitions, and we are delighted that our partnership which dates back to 1985, continues to grow from strength to strength. I'd like to thank Emirates for their faith in Airbus and in our most modern and environmentally friendly aircraft - the world's 21st century flagship", said Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois, who added: "We are committed to satisfying our customers as they are to theirs."

Being cleaner, greener, quieter and smarter, the A380 is setting new benchmarks for transport and the environment. Per passenger, the A380 is as fuel efficient as a small economical family car, and around airports it requires shorter runways for take off and landing in addition to already being the quietest large aircraft flying today or for the foreseeable future. The A380 provides vital extra passenger capacity without increasing the number of flights and is an ideal solution to today's congested airports.

The A380 has larger more comfortable seats in all classes and it also gives airlines flexibility to install lower density seating without reducing the number of seats. Based on the latest market trends for larger premium class products, it can typically carry 525 passengers in three classes in unprecedented comfort.

Thanks to its leading advanced technology, the A380 will set new benchmarks in economy, environmental friendliness and cabin comfort. With a lower fuel-burn rate and lower maintenance costs per seat, the A380 is not only better for the environment, it also generates cost per seat run savings of 15 per cent compared to the largest wide body existing today.