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Emirates places massive $16 billion order for 50 Airbus A350s

Nov. 18, 2019
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2 min read
Emirates A350-900
Emirates places massive $16 billion order for 50 Airbus A350s
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2017's Dubai Air Show was a blockbuster event for Emirates. That's where we first met the carrier's incredible new first-class suite, along with a couple of versions of its updated business class.

This year's event was shaping up to be remarkably dull by comparison, but Emirates just threw us a curveball with an absolutely massive order for Airbus' latest jet.

On Monday at the Dubai Air Show, Emirates CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury signed a purchase agreement for 50 Airbus A350-900s, worth $16 billion at today's list prices. The announcement follows the carrier's plan from earlier this year to purchase 30 A350s and 40 A330neos.

The world's largest Airbus A380 operator will be the second largest A350-900 operator as well, just behind Singapore Airlines, which flies two versions of the -900, including an ultra-long-range variant capable of operating the world's longest flight.

Emirates plans to operate its "latest products" on the A350-900, though hopefully we'll see direct aisle access with a new business seat. (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

Emirates had also intended to purchase Boeing's 787 Dreamliners, though there wasn't any reference to that order today, with the carrier's CEO stating "Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment."

An Emirates spokesperson stated, "We continue to be in discussions with Boeing on the 787s."

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Emirates expects to take delivery of its first A350-900 in May 2023, with deliveries continuing until 2028. The carrier plans to operate the A350 fleet from its Dubai (DXB) hub, serving "a range" of new regional and long-haul markets. The A350s will offer Emirates' "latest products," including a yet-to-be-released premium-economy seat.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.