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Soaring oil prices have triggered an economic boom in oil-rich Gulf states, allowing them to greatly expand their airline fleets. Some Persian Gulf nations want larger airlines as they try to turn their area into a hub for aviation, finance, and tourism.
On Sunday, Dubai-based airline Emirates said it bought 70 mid-sized Airbus planes, with an option to buy 50 more. Emirates also announced 11 firm orders for the Airbus A-380 superjumbo.
Emirates signed a separate deal with Boeing, Airbus' main rival, to buy 12 long-range jets.
Boeing also took an order from Qatar Airways, which bought 30 mid-sized jets and took options to buy 30 more. Qatar Airways said it will buy 27 Boeing planes. - VOA News
Posted November 12th, 2007 by Dinka
Larger Planes = More People = Cheaper?
I guess they're thinking that if they can fly more people per flight, gas will be cheaper per gallon. I know that I've been on many non-full flights, aren't they going to lose even more money on those flights? It seems to me smaller more efficient airplanes may be a better idea. On the other hand, Airbus and Boeing spent millions on this decision so they're probably pretty well informed.