Emirates has ordered 81 Airbus jets, in a deal worth more than $20bn (?9.6bn) for the European plane-maker.
The Dubai-based airline is buying 70 of Airbus' mid-sized A350 model, and 11 Airbus A380 twin-deck super jumbos.
Announced at the start of the Dubai air show, Emirates said the new planes would play "an important role" in the growth of both the airline and Dubai.
Emirates added that it also had the option to purchase a further 50 A350 aircraft at a future date.
If this additional order goes ahead, the final deal will be worth about $32bn for Airbus.
The latest contract win for Airbus was also good news for British engine-maker Rolls-Royce, as Emirates has chosen its units to power the new planes.
It will be worth up to $8.4bn for Rolls-Royce if Emirates does go on to buy the additional 50 A350 planes.
"Emirates airlines is placing great faith in our A350 XWB and A380 programmes as well as our company and we are rightfully proud," said Airbus president and chief executive Tom Enders.
The order is welcome good news for Airbus parent group EADS.
Last week EADS warned it may have to deepen planned restructuring and job cuts after its losses for the July to September period worsened to 775m euros ($1.14bn; ?541m), compared with 189m euros last year.
It already plans to cut 10,000 jobs at Airbus over the next four years.
Airbus designs and makes its wings in the UK. ( BBC )