The Dubai-based Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with GE Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS) to lease five more Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, all of the five Boeing 777 aircraft are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2008.

The five planes will have a three-class configuration, with mini-suites in First Class, lie-flat Business seats, spacious Economy seats and the latest in-flight entertainment, the report said.

"Our fleet is a key factor in our organic growth strategy and these new leased aircraft will minimize the impact of any shortfalls in our fleet projections," Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Airline, was quoted as saying.

"It's no secret that Emirates has mapped an ambitious growth plan for the next 10 years, which can be gauged by our intention to launch services to Venice, Houston, Sao Paolo and Newcastle this year," he added.

Established in 1985 by the Dubai government, Emirates Airlines currently operates services to more than 80 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania and North America.

Source: Xinhua