Bangkok--20 Nov--Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation Virgin Atlantic Airways has joined Emirates in expressing keen interest in a 900-seat stretch version of the A380, which Airbus said could be flying by 2015. Emirates President, Tim Clark, last week stated that had the stretch been available today, “probably two-thirds” of the A380s the Dubai-based carrier had on order (or some 38 aircraft) would be for that model. Emirates stated it would configure the proposed A380-900 with around 750 seats on a typical service, although some of the aircraft could be configured with 1,000 seats for routes to countries such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Sir Richard Branson stated that a stretched version of the aircraft would make it “really competitive”. Virgin Atlantic, which has six orders for the current A380 model, would be “willing to wait a bit longer for the stretch version”, according to Sir Richard. Airbus has 191 orders for the A380, including 58 from Emirates and could receive an order for up to 12 more from Air India by the end of the year. Airbus is locked in a battle with Boeing for Air India’s order for up to 100 more widebodies, which could include 10-12 A380s or B747-8s. Meanwhile, predictions by both manufacturers of more moderate aircraft sales in 2008 (after what will be a record 2007) could again be swept aside as more carriers finalise major aircraft order deals. Malaysia Airlines and Etihad Airways are likely to announce big commitments in the first quarter of next year, while several US major airlines could also take refleeting decisions. Carriers are having to order well in advance as production slots dry up. "So long as market conditions remain strong, the aircraft market will be tight. But with so many orders washing around, the next shakeout will see a major restructuring of the world industry, as the cash-rich and more efficient airlines pick up any orders which are dropped by the weaker players," said Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Note to editors: About Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) was founded in 1990 and has since built an international reputation as the leading specialist aviation consultancy in the Asia Pacific, the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East regions. CAPA Consulting’s strategic advisory services are supported by the extensive information and data services provided by the Centre’s Market Research Unit to aviation industry leaders every day. The Centre also holds regular Aviation Leadership Summits, which provide unique opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Head Office, Sydney: Derek Sadubin, Chief Operating Officer Aurora Place, Level 4, 88 Phillip St Sydney PO Box N777, Grosvenor Place Sydney, NSW Australia 2000 Email: [email protected] Southeast Asia Regional Office: Richard Pinkham, Regional Director, Southeast Asia Email: [email protected] Indian Subcontinent and Middle East Office: Kapil Kaul, CEO Indian Subcontinent & Middle East Email: [email protected] UK/Europe Office: David Bentley, UK Associate Email: [email protected] North America Regional Office: Martti Raito, Regional Director, North America Email: [email protected] North Asia Representatives: Korea: Kyung-sup Lee. Email: [email protected] Japan: Reiko Sonoyama. Email: [email protected] More information is available on the Centre’s website: www.centreforaviation.com