The agreement was signed at the airline’s headquarters in Dubai by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and John Leahy, chief operating officer - customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
The commitment is for 20 A380s and an option for 16 more with deliveries to start in 2020, valued at US$16 billion at latest list prices.
Sheikh Ahmed said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
John Leahy added: "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 10 years. I’m personally convinced more orders will follow Emirates’ example and that this great aircraft will be built well into the 2030s.”
The deal comes just days after Airbus had said the A380 programme may have to end if more orders could not be found. Production of the A380 will see a ramp down in production in the next few years to what Airbus sees as a sustainable level to keep it commercially viable.
However, the aircraft builder is still keen to market the four engined ‘Superjumbo’ to other airlines, promoting it as an answer to growing congestion, particularly at busy airports.
In the announcement of the deal with Emirates the company describes the A380 as 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 kilometres) 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. With two full widebody decks, offering the widest seats, wide aisles and more floor space. The A380 has the unique capability to generate revenue, stimulate traffic and attract passengers.”
Emirates has been by far the largest customer for the A380 since it went into production. It took its first delivery of the aircraft in July 2008, and its 100th A380 in November 2017. To date, 222 A380s have been delivered to 13 airlines.
