Talk about shock and awe. The massive orders placed by Persian Gulf-based carriers at last month's Dubai Airshow represent record numbers, both in terms of value and airline expansion plans. More than 400 orders were placed, including 225 for Boeing 777Xs for Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, launching the program. The Airbus A380 line was bolstered-or perhaps rescued-by a 50-unit Emirates order. But while large orders are always welcome news for the jetliner industry, it's time to consider the implications of these vast expansion plans.
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