After noises earlier this week, Emirates have been persuaded to sign on the dotted line for more Airbus A380 aicraft.
Emirates Airbus A380 departing London Heathrow – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Emirates and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding for 20 firm orders and 16 options – a total of 36 aircraft.
The MoU was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group), and John Leahy (Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft)
Signing the deal: Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group), and John Leahy (Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft) – Image – Airbus
At list prices, the order is worth US$16 Billion (but as I’ve commented many a time before – who pays list prices in aviation?)
On the signing, Sheikh Ahmed is happy the passenger experiance the Airbus A380 offers Emirates passengers. He states
“We’ve made no secret of the fact that the A380 has been a success for Emirates. Our customers love it, and we’ve been able to deploy it on different missions across our network, giving us flexibility in terms of range and passenger mix.
“Some of the new A380s we’ve 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.”
For Airbus, there will be sighs of relief as they can keep the A380 production line open – after making serious noises of closing it earlier this week. John Leahy states
“I would like to thank Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed, Tim Clark and Adel Al-Redha for their continued support of the A380,”
“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.”
Let’s make no mistake, Emirates has built itself on large aircraft, with the airline operating the 777 (and one of the largest fleets of 777-300ER aircraft in the world), as well as the largest operator of the Airbus A380.
Emirates took their first delivery in July 2008, and their 100th delivery in November 2017.
It’s been a battle to get these orders, but here we are.
It provides more time… and life support for the A380 programme that was in dire straights of being closed down. Whilst Airbus might be touting a Plus version and it’s cabin enablers to increase the seat count , it gives Airbus time to work out a proper strategy for the future of the type.
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“but as I’ve commented many a time before – who pays list prices in aviation”
Same goes for travel hacking 😉
The joy of ensuring discounts
The A380 is a wonderful aircraft that is generally great to fly in even in Economy, Cabins have an airy feeling and are easy to move around in, the air and humidity are so well adjusted when you land in an A380 after a 16 hour flight you dont feel as though you have been locked in a trouser press for the last day.
Yes the A350 also has many of these advantages but it’s smaller and business class seats I’ve flown in on it have that dreadful “cubby” for the feet that makes sleeping in it feel so restricted.
How can this great aircraft even be possibly under the threat of extinction? It has really revolutionised long-haul air travel.