GERMAN flag carrier Lufthansa has confirmed orders for more Airbus A380 and A330 and A320 aircraft.

The Cologne-based carrier has approved the purchase of two A380s, four A320s and one A330-300.

Nico Buchholz, executive vice president Lufthansa group fleet management, said: “I am delighted that this additional order will enable us to secure the development of our short, medium and long-haul fleets.

“It is the next logical step in our strategy of ongoing fleet modernisation with regard to fuel efficiency, operating costs, noise and emissions.”

Airbus chief operating officer, customers, John Leahy, added: “We are pleased that Lufthansa is coming back to order more Airbus aircraft across our product families.

“In particular, the order for two additional A380s is a testimony to the outstanding performance, efficiency and passenger appeal which the type has already proven in service with the airline.” Lufthansa is the biggest Airbus operator worldwide, with more than 368 Airbus aircraft currently in service, including eight A380s.

Meanwhile, Middle East carrier Emirates is expected to announce orders for a further thirty 555-seat A380s at the forthcoming Dubai Air Show to support its route expansion.

The A380 is currently the biggest passenger aircraft in service with a capacity of more than 500 seats.

Its Broughton manufacturing plant, near Chester, employs more than 6,000 staff making wings for the full range of the Airbus fleet.