Emirates Mulls More Airbus A380s Despite Delays

ADAM SCHRECK

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Emirates airline, the biggest buyer of the "superjumbo" Airbus A380, said Wednesday it is considering increasing its order for the double-decker plane despite delays on existing orders.

Speaking ahead of next week's Dubai Air Show, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum told reporters the Dubai-based carrier is looking to boost its commitment beyond the 58 it has already requested — the most booked by any airline.

"We are considering that, actually," he said when asked about additional orders. "We're actually looking at the market as very positive for the next few years ... We are always one of the first-movers to take advantage of the market."

A fresh commitment from Emirates could be a boon for Airbus, which along with U.S. rival Boeing Co. has faced a slowdown in aircraft orders as the economic downturn convinces carriers to put off purchases and delay expansion plans.

Fast-growing Emirates last week reported a fiscal first-half profit of nearly $205 million, well over double its earnings for the same period a year earlier.