Airbus Gains First Buyer for A-3XX

BLAGNAC, France — Airbus Industrie, the world's second-largest airplane maker, said Emirates Airlines agreed to buy as many as 10 of its next-generation jumbo jets, the A-3XX, the first firm order for the proposed 555-seat jetliner.

The contract for five of the $230-million jets and an option for five more moves Airbus closer to building the world's largest commercial plane, which would be a $12-billion bid to challenge Boeing Co.'s monopoly on the market for planes for more than 400 passengers.

The aircraft would enable Airbus to compete with Boeing on all classes of passenger aircraft of 100 seats or more.

Virgin Atlantic Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways have said they're interested in the A-3XX, which would enter service in 2005 if Airbus proceeds.

Airbus expects to decide about the project at the end of May, when its supervisory board meets. Analysts say Airbus would need orders for 30 planes from five customers before committing to making it.