Emirates became the first customer to make a firm commitment for the 550-seat Airbus A3XX superjumbo at the show Monday, signing a $1.5 billion memorandum of understanding covering five passenger and two freight versions. Emirates also placed options for five more of the type.

Air France kept the A3XX ball rolling for Airbus, confirming its plans to purchase 10 and signing a letter of intent. Additional A3XX orders are expected by the end of the show, according to Airbus CEO Noel Fogeard. He said Airbus would finish the show with firm commitments on 22 of the 52 A3XX purchases airlines have planned. The orders are contingent on the company going forward with the industrial launch of the A3XX-a decision slated for December.

The Emirates order includes a deposit, but no engine choice has yet been made, according to Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. The Dubai-based carrier plans to use the aircraft on routes to Europe and Southeast Asia. It "could use it today" on flights to certain slot-limited airports, he said.

Emirates passenger versions will be configured to seat 575 passengers in three classes. Delivery is scheduled for February 2006, with the freighter deliveries starting in spring 2008. Sheikh Ahmed said the A3XX would be the flagship of Emirates' fleet and bring to its passengers "a level of comfort and space that's never been seen before in the airline industry."

Emirates is to order six Boeing 777-300s on Tuesday.

By Paul Proctor