British Airways order new planes in time for 2012 olympics in London

BA haven't purchased any new aircraft for almost 10 years, and in the past have stayed exclusively with Boeing. The new aircraft order breaks that tradition with British Airways ordering 12 Airbus A380s as well as 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Airbus's A380 double deck super jumbo is capable of carrying over 800 people, but BA are likely to use the extra space to offer a premium service to passengers - which could includes lounges or individual suites for business or first class passengers.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliners are 20% more efficient than existing planes and will allow the airline to reduce operating costs and be more friendly to the environment.

In a boost to the British economy, the new aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines - all to be built in the UK. The A380 wings will be made by Airbus in North Wales. The TImes newspaper reports that this order alone could help sustain over 20,000 jobs in the UK.

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