Air Austral confirms A380 order

Air Austral has confirmed an order for two A380 superjumbos that will pack in over 800 people in the first all-economy version of the world's largest airliner. Planemaker Airbus said the La Reunion-based airline would configure the aircraft for 840 passengers, using up its maximum capacity for single-class seating.

The planes will powered by engines from the Engine Alliance, a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, the airline announced at the Dubai Air Show. The A380 deal, reported by Reuters at the start of the four-day event, calls for planes to be delivered in 2014.