Dubai's Emirates Airline said on Sunday it has ordered 50 Airbus A380 planes for $23 billion, meaning it will become the first carrier to buy the superjumbo this year. The order cements Emirates' status as the single largest operator of the double-deckers, Emirates chief Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said at the opening day of the Dubai Airshow. "Emirates has understood from the start the A380's advantages in terms of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort," Fabrice Bregier, Airbus chief and president, told the signing ceremony.