Dubai-based Emirates with receive a long-range Airbus A340-500 large passenger jet this weekend. The delivery is the first of eight A340-500’s to be shipped to the Dubai International Airport in the near future, stated a press release.
The new A340 will leave Airbus' base in Toulouse, France for its non-stop delivery to Dubai. It will become the first of its type to enter commercial service on December 1, when it leaves Dubai on its first non-stop service to Sydney, Australia – with a flying time of less than 14 hours.
The new A340s, designed for flights over 17 hours, will carry up to 12 First Class, 42 Business and 204 Economy passengers, and nearly 14 tons of cargo. Initially they will serve Australia, and from next year, North America.
The new A340-500s form the spearhead of Emirates' $26 billion aircraft order book, along with 26 Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft. More than 100 new jets will be delivered to Emirates by 2012. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
