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Emirates is in advanced talks to order at least 30 of Airbus SE’s largest widebody jets, according to people familiar with the matter, signalling a shift in the carrier’s long-standing criticism of the quality of engines made by Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc.The Dubai-based carrier is looking to purchase A350-1000 aircraft, with options to order more, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are ongoing and confidential. An agreement may be announced at the Dubai Air Show that starts on Monday, though successful completion of the talks isn’t guaranteed.Deals with Emirates are often finalised only a few days or even hours before an announcement is made. Some previous accords between the carrier and the European planemaker fell apart at the last minute, including a major order for the jumbo A380 in 2017 and another for the A350-1000 two years ago.Emirates and Rolls-Royce declined to comment. An Airbus spokesperson said the company is always in contact with existing and potential customers, and any discussions remain confidential.At the 2023 Dubai show, Emirates agreed to take 15 of Airbus’ shorter A350-900, a relatively small number for a carrier known for making major purchases with Airbus and Boeing Co Emirates President Tim Clark decided against ordering the larger variant because of what he called “defective” engines made by Rolls-Royce.At the time, he said the turbines had overly frequent maintenance cycles. Reliability is particularly important for carriers in the Middle East who run their aircraft in hot and demanding cycles, putting more strain on their planes.The deal would be a major boost for the Rolls-Royce product in the Middle East and for its relationship with the executive running the world’s largest international airline.Rolls-Royce has been working to improve the performance and durability of the engine as part of a £1bn ($1.3bn) investment. The UK-based company has been testing the new model by spraying sand at its blades.Other carriers in the region have raised similar concerns about the turbines. Etihad Airways also faces issues with the maintenance cycles for the same engine.This year’s show may be the final one for Clark, 75, who announced plans to retire in 2019 but then reversed course because of the global pandemic.If the current talks with Airbus are successful, the order will help shape the airline’s future fleet, which is currently built mainly around the existing Boeing 777 and the out-of-production A380.The carrier also has an order book for more than 200 of Boeing’s yet-to-be certified 777X.For Airbus, this will be the last show for its commercial chief executive officer, Christian Scherer, who’s spent more than four decades at the France-based manufacturer.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha recently celebrated the Phantom’s 100th anniversary at the first reveal in the Middle East of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.Limited to just 25 examples worldwide, it represents the most complex and technologically ambitious project ever undertaken by the marque’s Bespoke Collective, a moving tribute to Phantom’s enduring legacy of excellence and artistry.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Chris Brownridge unveiled the Phantom Centenary Private Collection at the National Museum of Qatar, honouring 100 years of the marque’s pinnacle product. Symbolising a century of stories, Phantom Centenary introduces new techniques and is the result of over 40,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.Fitted with rear seats in high-resolution printed fabric developed with a fashion atelier and completed with 160,000 stitches, the Bespoke masterpiece reflects artistry in every detail. The most intricate woodwork ever crafted by Rolls-Royce debuts groundbreaking firsts: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. A unique Spirit of Ecstasy is created in homage to the first Phantom, cast in solid 18-carat gold, then plated in 24-carat gold, hallmarked and enamelled specially for the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. It is a symbol of the marque’s relentless pursuit of excellence and represents the ultimate canvas for Bespoke capabilities.For a century, Phantom has stood as the definitive expression of Rolls-Royce - an exquisite showcase of craftsmanship, individuality and timeless luxury. Through each generation, advances in design, engineering, materials and technology have secured its status as the world’s most revered luxury motor car and the ultimate canvas for the marque’s most imaginative Bespoke creations.Omar Hussain Alfardan, managing director of Alfardan Corporation, said: “Phantom is far more than a motor car; it is a timeless symbol of excellence. For over a century, it has stood as a true cultural icon: a reflection of achievement, artistry, and enduring influence. From its inception, Phantom has embodied the ultimate expression of success and personal vision, brought to life through the mastery of Bespoke craftsmanship.“This centenary celebration pays tribute to Phantom’s legacy of peerless distinction, and to the discerning clients of Qatar whose passion for innovation, individuality, and progress continues to define the spirit of modern luxury. We are proud to honour this remarkable milestone and to celebrate Phantom’s continuing presence in the ever-evolving story of elegance across our region.”James Crichton, regional director, Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added: “Phantom has defined the very essence of Rolls-Royce - an enduring benchmark of luxury, craftsmanship and engineering mastery. Across eight generations, it has reflected the values and aspirations of our clients while remaining true to its unmistakable character.“In many ways, the story of Phantom is the story of Rolls-Royce itself - a journey guided by artistry, innovation and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. We are proud to be celebrating Phantom’s legacy here in Doha - a city that continues to inspire the marque’s vision of progress and prestige.”Various generations of Phantom were placed centre stage - from the original Phantom I to the contemporary Phantom VIII - each representing a defining moment in the marque’s century-long pursuit of perfection.Among the more recent motoring masterpieces was Phantom Scintilla, a radiant expression of Bespoke artistry inspired by light itself. The heritage selection included the distinguished Phantom I Continental, epitomising the grace and refinement of the 1920s; Phantom II, admired for its dynamic touring character; and Phantom III, the first Rolls-Royce to feature a V12 engine, setting the template for future generations.The stately Phantom V and Phantom VI reflected the marque’s long-standing association with royalty and world leaders, while Phantom VII marked the dawn of a new era at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, redefining modern luxury for a new generation.Completing the display were the exquisite Phantom Zenith Drophead Coupé and Phantom Zenith Edition, highly exclusive creations celebrating the close of Phantom VII production, alongside Phantom VIII, the purest modern expression of effortless luxury, built upon the marque’s Architecture of Luxury.Completing this remarkable display of Phantom motor cars was a celebration not only of engineering excellence but of enduring artistic inspiration, as guests experienced a curated display of eight original artworks created by the marque’s designers.Displayed along the event’s History Wall, each piece echoed a tradition first established in 1910, when artist Charles Sykes produced paintings for early Rolls-Royce catalogues. Together, they paid tribute to Phantom’s eight generations, reinterpreting their spirit through a contemporary creative lens and celebrating the model’s evolving role in culture.The celebration not only honoured the heritage of the world’s most revered luxury motor car but also reflected the enduring passion of Rolls-Royce clients in Qatar for the marque’s innovation and craftsmanship. As Phantom enters its second century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha remains a true home of Bespoke luxury in the region – where heritage and modernity continue to move in perfect harmony.

Qatar’s growing appetite for bespoke luxury is helping shape Rolls-Royce’s global future, CEO Chris Brownridge told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview during his visit to Doha.From desert sunset-inspired commissions to its 23-year partnership with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha and the Phantom Centenary celebrations, Brownridge said the country embodies the brand’s vision of modern luxury — blending heritage, innovation, and youthful ambition.Brownridge emphasised continuity and growth since assuming leadership, underscoring the importance of trusted partners, such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha. James Crichton, regional director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa, added that bespoke commissions begin with these relationships, ensuring Rolls-Royce remains client-driven.The centenary of the Phantom was marked in Doha with orchestral music composed for the occasion and client cars proudly displayed. “It’s exactly what I would hope to see,” Brownridge said, praising Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha’s execution. Crichton noted: “How amazing is that? That your own clients want to come in and have their cars on display.”Luxury, Brownridge explained, is about experiences rather than transactions. He cited commissions ranging from a dog’s paw print in a coach line to desert sunset themes. Crichton added that Rolls-Royce’s Private Offices worldwide enable such creativity, with designers helping clients realise visions as personal as roof lining featuring tiny LED stars arranged in the constellation in the sky the night they were born.Brownridge also highlighted concierge services and the Whispers community, where clients share passions for watches, travel, and boats. “When you buy a Rolls-Royce, you become a member of our family,” he emphasised.In defining modern luxury today, Brownridge pointed to innovation since 1904. The all-electric Spectre, launched two years ago, has been hailed as perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce’s ethos. “Everyone who’s driven Spectre has said, this is absolutely what I expect of a Rolls-Royce,” he noted. Demand for V12 engines remains strong, ensuring a balanced product mix, Brownridge also noted.The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha partnership, now in its 23rd year, was described by Crichton as “spot on”. Crichton praised the family’s ability to represent multiple luxury marques with equal strength, calling it “one of the really powerful things” in the market.“They have an absolutely amazing network,” he said, noting that their stewardship of Rolls-Royce in Qatar has been marked by consistency, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the brand’s ethos.Crichton emphasised that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha is not just a dealership but a custodian of the marque’s reputation in the region. “They’ve been with us through every stage of growth, and their commitment to excellence mirrors our own,” he said. This alignment, he added, is why Rolls-Royce continues to thrive in Qatar, with clients who expect — and receive — a level of service equal to the craftsmanship of the cars themselves.Brownridge echoed the sentiment, describing the Doha showroom as “a great example” of exquisite execution. He also lauded the ‘Letbelah’ or the ‘Qatar Auto Museum’, established by Omar Hussain Alfardan, managing director of Alfardan Corporation, calling it “a wonderful project”.Brownridge also noted a generational shift: “The average age of a Rolls-Royce client used to be somewhere in the 50s, and now it’s in the 40s.” This has influenced product evolution. The Black Badge emerged from demand for darker aesthetics, while the Cullinan SUV became “the Rolls-Royce you can drive every day.” Today, clients mix driving with being driven, redefining ownership, he said, adding that “We have a shared passion for celebrating the Rolls-Royce heritage, but also the craftsmanship of the future.”