Emirates Reportedly Defers Airbus A350 Deal, Citing Engine Durability Concerns Amid Boeing Triumph

Airbus SE EADSY EADSF reportedly faced a setback from Emirates at the Dubai Airshow, where the UAE-based airline reportedly ruled out an immediate contract to purchase Airbus A350-1000 jets on Tuesday, accusing a dispute with engine maker Rolls Royce Holdings RYCEY RYCEF over the durability of its engines and leaving the European planemaker without a significant showcase order.

Tim Clark, president of Emirates, commented on the efficiency of the A350-1000's engine a day after announcing a $50 billion order for Boeing Company BA 777X jets, according to a news report by Reuters. Clark noted that the engine's maintenance interval "falls short," providing only a quarter of the duration required by Emirates' operational standards.

Also Read: Boeing Foresees Major Fleet Expansion In Southeast Asia

Clark told reporters that Emirates would order between 35 and 50 of the jets if Rolls-Royce improved the durability and maintenance costs.

Rolls-Royce told Reuters: "Emirates is a valued customer and we look forward to supporting their future fleet growth plans."

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer, however, supported Rolls-Royce's Trent XWB-97 engine.

"It's a perfectly fine engine operated by many customers around the world." Scherer said while announcing an order from EGYPTAIR for ten new Airbus A350-900 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, Reuters added.

Read Also: Airbus Delivers 55 Airplanes To 34 Customers With The Largest Orders Going To India

Meanwhile, Airbus said EGYPTAIR disclosed an order for ten new Airbus A350-900 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. 

The order has been received in the presence of EGYPTAIR's Chairman and CEO, Engineer Yehia Zakaria, and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. 

The A350-900s will provide EGYPTAIR with 25% less fuel burn and, in turn, reduced emissions. At the same time, passengers enjoy the comfort of the Airbus AirSpace cabin, including a feeling of true spaciousness, wide seats, high ceilings, and alluring ambient lighting, according to a company release.

Also See: Air Lease And EGYPTAIR Seal Deal For Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

"Once delivered the A350-900 will be EGYPTAIR's flagship aircraft. Adding the world's most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to the airline's fleet will be instrumental in expanding its offering, opening new opportunities particularly in Western US and the far East," said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. 

Price Action: EADSY shares closed higher by 0.85% to $34.79 on Monday, while BA shares traded higher by 0.49% to $205.54 premarket on the last checked Tuesday.

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