Emirates has cancelled an order for 70 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, the plane manufacturer has announced.
The decision to forego the wide-bodied jets was made after the Gulf carrier carried out a "fleet requirement review", Airbus said.
Emirates ordered 50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s in 2007 with first delivery slots scheduled from 2019.
Airbus said in a statement: "The decision follows ongoing discussions with the airline in light of their fleet requirement review, as demonstrated by their order of 50 additional A380 at the last Dubai Airshow and their continuous interest in the program."
It added: "Airbus is very confident in its A350 XWB programme. Half a year before entry into service, the A350 XWB order book stands at a healthy 742 firm orders.
"The A350 flight test campaign is progressing well and is on track for Type Certification in the coming months."
A spokesman for British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce told the BBC that Emirates' A350 cancellation will result in a £2.6 billion loss in orders.
Last week, Emirates confirmed it will fly the A380 superjumbo to Frankfurt from September (see news, June 3).
Graham Smith
