Firm orders would help secure jobs, the company said

Emirates airline ordered 81 Airbus A350 jets and A380 super-jumbos at the start of the Dubai air show, one of the biggest orders placed with the company.

An Airbus spokeswoman said firm orders would "help us to secure jobs for years to come" at Broughton, where the company builds many of its wings.

The spokeswoman said Airbus had so far attracted 259 firm orders at the show.

Dubai-based Emirates confirmed an order of 70 mid-sized A350 models, and 11 Airbus A380 twin-deck super jumbos on Sunday.

The airline added that it also had the option to purchase a further 50 A350 aircraft at a future date.