DUBAI (Reuters) - Boeing savoured an order worth at least $18 billion
for 50 wide-body 777 jetliners from host airline Emirates as the Dubai Air Show
entered a second day beating the drum for growth despite widespread economic
gloom.
The largest single order by value in Boeing's history boosted the Middle
East's largest industry event and pushed talk of global recession to the
sidelines -- though analysts said getting aircraft financing was proving an
increasing challenge.
Qatar Airways looked set to step in with a possible Boeing order on Monday
and was expected to give its final verdict on a long-awaited Airbus order that
sources said would include A380 superjumbos on Tuesday, but talks appeared to be
continuing.
Sources familiar with the matter said Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways was ready to
buy an extra 12 Boeings including 10 787 Dreamliners and two more 777s, but may
not announce at the show.
The Gulf's big three are buying wide-body aircraft to serve Asia and the
United States and redraw the world's transport and logistics map with the Gulf
at the center, thanks to its ability to reach most of the world's population in
one long-haul hop.
Kuwaiti lessor Alafco plans to boost an order for 30 Airbus A320neo passenger
aircraft, probably on Monday.
