Gulf airlines to rule the world

Massive aircraft orders valued at more than US$24 billion by Emirates and Qatar Airways at the Dubai Air Show this week have signaled the growing power of Arabian Gulf airlines

Emirates signed off on the single largest deal in Boeing's history, with 50 firm orders for the 777-300ER aircraft.

"Some of this may be speculative, but they seem determined to convert oil wells into aviation market share," Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at Teal Group, told Bloomberg.

Qatar Airways, founded in 1994, and half owned by the government of Qatar, is following Emirates in building a long-haul transfer hub to rival incumbents in Western Europe.

"I only say to our adversaries: belt up," Qatar Airways CEO Ali Al Baker said in Dubai. "For so long, our airlines have faced jibes from those that cannot face reality.

"It is time they face the music and understand that we in the Middle East are here to stay."

Qatar Airways revealed a US$6.4 billion deal to buy A320neo single-aisle jets and more A380 double-decker aircraft.

"The Middle East will remain a strong growth area for the next 20 odd years," Airbus CEO Tom Enders said at the Dubai show.

"Look at Emirates, which is basically receiving an A380 every month for the next four years or so."