Emirates Buys Some Big Boeings

Emirates Airlines announced a firm order for of ten Boeing 747-8 freighters and options for an additional ten aircraft. This is a $5.6 billion warning shot across the bow of Airbus who are struggling to deliver the A380 as promised to Emirates. The airline's plan to expand their cargo opration hangs in the balance so they are supporting those plans up with the new 747-8. And the warning shot is two fold as Emirates also needs a new mid-range aircraft, i.e. the A350 XWB or the Boeing 787. Airbus has cautioned that the A350 XWB could be heavily delayed, Boeing's 787 is going to beat it out the door by 2-3 years at the current date. Airbus is in a very tough position.