British Airways placed its largest order for new planes for nearly 10 years today in a multibillion-pound deal which includes the new Airbus A380 superjumbo.
The order is also great news for Rolls-Royce, whose engines will power the 12 Airbus 380s and the 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for which BA has put down firm orders.
BA also has an option for a further seven A380s and 18 787s.
The new aircraft, described by BA today as "greener, quieter and more fuel-efficient", will replace 34 of the airline's long-haul fleet and will be delivered between 2010 and 2014.
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: 'This is an exciting day for British Airways with our largest fleet order since 1998. It's great news for our business, our customers and the environment'.
