Emirates buying up Boeing freighters

DUBAI - Dubai-based Emirates, the largest Arab airline, today said it may buy 10 more Boeing freighter aircraft worth about US$2.8 billion to tap the growing Middle Eastern air-cargo traffic market.

Emirates secured the right to purchase the 747-8F planes, it said in a statement. Purchase rights do not include agreement on price. Emirates also confirmed an earlier order for 10 similar aircraft worth US$2.8 ($4.27) billion.

"Our order for the 747-8Fs will be essential in helping us service our rapidly growing network of 28 freighter destinations," Emirates Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum was quoted as saying in the statement.

Middle East air cargo grew 5.8 per cent last year by tonnage, said Emirates, which operates nine freighters among its fleet of 98 planes.

It also awaiting delivery of eight Boeing 777 freighters among more than 100 aircraft on order worth a total US$30 billion.

Emirates ordered 10 Boeing 747 freighters at the Farnborough Air Show in July. At the time, it said the order was worth US$3.3 billion.

A spokeswoman for Emirates could not explain the discrepancy with Sunday's confirmation price.

- REUTERS