DUBAI - The Dubai-based airline Emirates on Tuesday signed a contract to lease five Boeing 777-300ERs for delivery in the second half of 2008 by GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS).
Emirates said in an Internet statement that the new aircraft would "minimise the impact of any shortfalls in our fleet projections." It gave no figures for the contract.
Chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said "its no secret that Emirates has mapped an ambitious growth plan for the next 10 years, which can be gauged by our intention to launch services to Venice, Houston, Sao Paolo and Newcastle this year."
Emirates has a fleet of 101 Boeing and Airbus planes. It includes 23 Boeing 777-300ERs, with firm orders for 36 more, including the five to be leased.
03/06/2007 20:00 GMT