Airbus is closing in on a settlement deal with Emirates, which could see the airline place a fresh order for A350-900 jets.
The two sides are negotiating a deal that would see Emirates switch from the larger A350-1000, Airbus’s largest twin-engined jet, to the smaller A350-900. The number of aircraft involved in the deal could be in the double digits, sources said.
The deal would come as a relief to Airbus, which has been under pressure from Emirates to reduce its order for A350-1000s. The airline has been unhappy with the performance of the aircraft, and has threatened to cancel the order altogether.
A compromise deal would likely involve Emirates agreeing to take a smaller number of A350-1000s, while also placing an order for the smaller A350-900. This would allow Airbus to save face, while also giving Emirates the aircraft it wants.
The negotiations between Airbus and Emirates are ongoing, and it is not yet clear when a deal will be finalized. However, sources say that both sides are keen to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
The potential deal between Airbus and Emirates is a sign that the two sides are working to repair their relationship. The relationship has been strained in recent years, due to a number of disputes over aircraft orders and performance.
A successful deal would be a major boost for Airbus, and would help to assuage investor concerns about the company’s future. It would also be a positive sign for the aviation industry, which is still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.