The order is signed at a ceremony at the 2013 Dubai Airshow witnessed by Emirates chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president

Dubai-based Emirates airline has placed an additional order for 50 A380 aircraft, allaying fears of flagging demand for very large aircraft in the Middle East.

The order was signed at a ceremony at the 2013 Dubai Airshow witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman, Emirates Airline and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president.

“The A380 continues to be the flagship of our fleet and after five years in operation it remains highly popular with our passengers,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

“It is still one of the most efficient aircraft to operate today in terms of fuel burn and emissions per passenger, and it gives us the flexibility in some cases to meet passenger demand in slot-constrained markets.

“This latest order will help us meet both fleet expansion and fleet replacement needs.”

Following delivery of their first A380 in July 2008, Emirates has now taken delivery of 39 A380s.

Their 39th A380 is on Airbus’ static display at the 2013 Dubai Airshow.

All Emirates’ A380s are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.

The deal for more A380 planes as significant, as sales of the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft suffered in 2012.

After initial orders of 30 planes, only nine were sold.

“We value our partnership with Emirates Airline and are pleased to see this getting stronger each day with their A380s flying,” said Brégier.

“By strategically placing the A380 at the centre of its business, Emirates is maximizing its leading position with each day of operations.

“Emirates has understood from the start the A380s advantages in terms of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort.

“It continues to be a true crowd-puller and contributor to the rapid development of its Dubai hub.”

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has joined the fleets of ten carriers.

The aircraft flies 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment.