Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, has announced a record $12.5 billion deal to sell 41 wide-body jetliners to the Dubai-based airline Emirates. Officials announced the deal Monday at the Paris Air Show.
The sale includes 21 A-380 "superjumbo" 555-seat planes that will begin flying in three years. 18 A-340-600 planes, and two A-400-500 jets. Airbus said it is the largest deal for wide-body jets ever - both in number of aircraft and dollar total.
Emirates airline also announced plans to purchase 26 Boeing 777 planes. Emirates is one of the few airlines experiencing growth amid a general downturn for the aviation industry.
