BRITISH Airways (BA) placed its largest order for new planes for nearly ten years yesterday in a multi-billion pound deal which includes the new Airbus A380 superjumbo.
The order is good news for Rolls-Royce, whose engines will power the 12 Airbus 380s and the 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for which BA has put down firm orders.
The aircraft, described by BA yesterday as "greener, quieter and more fuel-efficient", will replace 34 of the airline's long-haul fleet and will be delivered between 2010 and 2014.
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "This is an exciting day for British Airways with our largest fleet order since 1998. It's great news for our business, our customers and the environment.
"These aircraft set the gold standard when it comes to environmental performance in the key areas of carbon dioxide emissions, local air quality and noise."
BA was not putting an exact price on the total orders yesterday but the list price of the planes together with the engines is in the region of £4bn.
BA said that the first of its A380s was due to be delivered in 2012.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article