DUBAI: Emirates has received delivery of its 123rd Airbus A380 superjumbo jet, the final new A380 aircraft to join Emirates’ fleet.
This marks another milestone in the airline’s 21-year commitment to the A380 program.
Receiving delivery of a brand new aircraft amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, Emirates is once again signaling its optimism for industry recovery and the return of travel demand, the airline said.
Emirates was the first airline to announce an order for the A380 at the 2000 Farnborough Air Show when the aircraft was still marketed as the A3XX. This was followed with a firm commitment and additional order for 15 more units at the 2001 Dubai Air Show, a bold statement just 6 weeks after the events of 9/11 challenged the industry like never before.
Emirates’ commitment was crucial to the launch of the program that brought together leading European aerospace players and its global supply chain to develop and bring to market the world’s largest commercial aircraft with a full double deck and generous cabin interior space.
Since it first took to the sky, the A380 has continued to capture imaginations, generate excitement wherever it operates, and attract traveler preference for its quiet, spacious, and comfortable interiors.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said: “The A380 is a truly special aircraft in so many ways. For Emirates, it gave us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience, efficiently serve demand at slot-constrained airports, and bolster our network growth. The A380 will remain Emirates’ flagship product for the coming years, and a vital pillar of our network plans.”
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO said, “On behalf of all Airbus teams, I would like to use this delivery milestone to warmly thank Emirates Airline – the biggest A380 operator in the world – for their unwavering trust and partnership. Here are too many more happy landings!”
