Boeing, meanwhile, has found a presence in the skies over the Gulf state of Dubai. Emirates Airline has begun taking delivery of 30 new Boeing 777-3000ERs (extended range) aircraft, part of a $30 billion fleet expansion. Emirates has also ordered 45 Airbus A380 super jumbos, so from now through 2012 the airline will be receiving, on average, one new aircraft per month. The keys to the newest Boeing product were handed over at a ceremony in Seattle, Wash., last week, and 14 hours after takeoff, the jet was in its new home in the Middle East. Emirates plans to use the 777s for services to Manila, Bangkok, Sydney and Auckland. Those passengers traveling up front will have fully reclining sleeper seats and personal mini-bars. Those in the cheap(er) seats will not, but will be able to access 500 channels of video, audio and games on demand.
