The A380 line is still running - Curt Lewis

Emirates identified as customer for two more A380s

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates has been identified as the customer behind an order for two Airbus A380s in March.

Airbus has confirmed the Dubai-based airline as the previously-undisclosed operator listed as having signed an agreement on 31 March.

Emirates already had 140 of the type on order, powered by a mix of Engine Alliance GP7200s and Rolls-Royce Trent 900s.

The airline has confirmed that the additional aircraft will be fitted with Trent 900s, and will be configured with the carrier's higher-density two-class layout.

It will take delivery of the extra A380s in the fourth quarter of 2017. The order takes its overall firm commitment for the double-deck type to 142.

The carrier is aiming to withdraw 30 older aircraft from its fleet before the end of 2017 and replace them with 33 A380s, including the two newly-ordered jets, and 24 Boeing 777s.

Emirates' decision to take the extra A380s keeps the backlog unchanged because Reunion carrier Air Austral cancelled its own order for two of the type.