UAE-based airline Emirates has finalised a previously signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 36 A380 aircraft, which are valued a total of $16bn.

Revealed last month, the MoU also includes 20 firm orders and 16 options to buy the aircraft.

Deliveries are expected to begin as early as 2020.

The latest order has brought Emirates’ commitment to buy A380 aircraft to 178 units, worth more than $60bn.

“For Emirates, the A380 has been a successful aircraft for our customers, our operations, and our brand.”

The airline’s current aircraft portfolio includes 269 wide-bodied jets, including 101 A380 planes. It also has a backlog  order for 41 additional aircraft.

Emirates Airline and Group chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting tens of thousands of high-value jobs across the aviation supply chain.

“For Emirates, the A380 has been a successful aircraft for our customers, our operations, and our brand.”

The airline is yet to decide the engine options to power its newly ordered A380 aircraft fleet.

In January 2016, Airbus signed a purchase agreement with Japan’s ANA Holdings for three A380 aircraft.

The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines and are expected to be delivered next year.

Once delivered, the planes will be operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA).