The fleets of major gulf airlines

The three big Gulf airlines, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, all operate updated fleets of planes that were acquired via huge orders with Airbus and Boeing.

Following are fleet figures given by the carriers ahead of the Dubai air show, which is to take place from November 17-21.

Emirates Airlines

Launched in October 1985, Emirates flies to 137 destinations in 77 countries with 207 long-range aircraft.

The Dubai-based carrier currently operates 38 Airbus A380 planes, the biggest passenger jet in the world. It also has 23 A330 planes, 13 A340s, and 121 Boeing 777s.

For freight, Emirates operates 10 B777 cargo planes and two Boeing 747 cargo jets.

A total of 186 more planes have been ordered, including 70 future Airbus A350 models, 52 more A380 super jumbos, 61 B777s and three B777 freighters.

Etihad Airways

Launched 10 years ago, Etihad flies to 96 destinations in 62 countries with 83 aircraft.

They include 20 medium-range planes from the Airbus A320 family, 25 A330 long-haul jets, 12 A340s and 17 Boeing 777s.

To transport freight, Etihad operates three A330 cargo jets, three 777 freighters and three B747s.

Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad says it expects the delivery this year of four more A320 models and one B777.

On order through 2020 are 76 more aircraft, including 41 of Boeing's 787 models, 10 A380s, 12 A350s and 11 A320s.

Qatar Airways

Launched in January 1994, Qatar Airways flies to 133 destinations with a fleet of 127 aircraft.

They include 31 Boeing 777s, nine B787s, four A340s, 29 A330s, and 46 A320s. Qatar Airways also operates five 777 and three A330 cargo jets.

Information on Qatar Airways orders was not immediately available.