Emirates: Airbus ‘ready to go’ with new A380 launch

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Dubai’s Emirates airline renewed pressure on Sunday on European planemaker Airbus to upgrade its A380 super-jumbo, saying it was ready to place an order as soon as the planemaker went ahead with an improved version of the world’s largest airliner.

Emirates became the largest customer of the super-jumbo A380 after placing an order for 50 new aircraft in 2013, taking the total order book up to 140. The carrier has been working closely with European manufacturer Airbus.

Qatar Airways chief executive said on Sunday the airline would consider replacing some of its Airbus A380s with the upgraded A380neo if the newer plane performed better.

An A380neo could deliver 10-13 percent improved efficiency.

Airbus expects to sell more A380 superjumbos this year, but a potential deal may not be finalized until early 2016.