Emirates places order for 36 additional widebody Airbus A380s
Dubai-based Emirates Airline has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire up to 36 additional Airbus A380 aircraft. The deal is valued at $16 billion.
January 18, 2018: Dubai-based Emirates Airline has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire up to 36 additional Airbus A380 aircraft. The deal is valued at $16 billion.
The agreement was signed in Dubai between HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief Executive, Emirates Airline Group, and John Leahy, COO customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
According to reports, Emirates Airline has placed a commitment to buy 20 A380s with an option to procure 16 more, with deliveries to start in 2020.
Sheikh Ahmed said: "We have made no secret of the fact that the A380 has been a success for Emirates. Our customers love it, and we have been able to deploy it on different missions across our network, giving us flexibility in terms of range and passenger mix."
He added: "Some of the new A380s we have just ordered will be used as fleet replacements. This order will provide stability to the A380 production line. We will continue to work closely with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product, so as to offer our passengers the best possible experience. The beauty of this aircraft is that the technology and real estate on board gives us plenty of room to do something different with the interiors."
"I wish to thank Emirates, Sheikh Ahmed, Tim Clark and Adel Al-Redha for their continued support of the A380," said John Leahy, COO customers of Airbus commercial aircraft.
"This aircraft has contributed enormously to Emirates' growth and success since 2008 and we are delighted that it will continue to do so. This new order underscores Airbus' commitment to produce the A380 at least for another ten years. I'm personally convinced more orders will follow Emirates' example and that this great aircraft will be built well into the 2030s," said Leahy.
Following delivery of its first A380 in July 2008, Emirates took its 100th A380 on the November 3, 2017 in Hamburg.
The A380 is an essential part of the solution to sustainable growth, alleviating traffic congestion at busy airports by transporting more passengers with fewer flights.
The A380 is the best way to capture growing world air traffic, which doubles every 15 years. The A380 flies 8,200 nautical miles (15,200 km) non-stop and can accommodate 575 passengers in four classes.
The spacious, quiet cabin, smooth and most comfortable ride have made the A380 today's passenger favourite, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies. The A380 is the world's largest aircraft, with two full widebody decks, offering widest seats, wide aisles and more floor space.
Meanwhile, till date, over 200 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every two minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the 240 airports around the world. Till now, about 222 A380s have been delivered to 13 airlines.
