Emirates has confirmed a $16bn order for 50 A350-900 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB engines.

“Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, Emirates chairman and chief executive in a statement on 18 November. "This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans.

"It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB. Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”

In February, Emirates placed an order for 40 A330-900 aircraft, and 30 A350-900 aircraft with France’s Airbus. The order is worth an estimated $21.4bn based on list prices.

The airline said at the time that it expected to receive the smaller and more modern Airbus A330neo and A350 aircraft starting from 2021 and 2024, respectively.

Emirates signed a $9.2bn deal with Rolls-Royce for engines for 50 Airbus A380 aircraft in 2015.