Airbus says it is in negotiations to sell its A380 superjumbo jet to a pair of new airline customers in the Middle East, with a company official telling Bloomberg the delivery schedule of the aircraft will likely determine whether the deals go ahead.
The Middle East has already emerged as the prime sales market for the A380 as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways position themselves as premier long haul carriers connecting Europe and the Americas with Asia.
Emirates is the world’s largest A380 operator with a fleet of 20 out of a total order of 90. Etihad and Qatar Airways have ordered a combined 20 of the jets.
Other potential Middle Eastern A380 customers could include Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Gulf Air.
