(TAN): Emirates on December 16 received delivery of its 123rd Airbus A380 superjumbo jet. The aircraft, registered as A6-EVS, is also the final new A380 aircraft to join Emirates’ fleet, the airline said in a statement.
Emirates said it 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 six weeks after the events of 9/11 challenged the industry like never before.
Emirates’ commitment was crucial to the launch of the programme 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.
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Since it first took to the sky, the A380 has continued to capture imaginations, generate excitement wherever it operates, and attract traveller preference for its quiet, spacious and comfortable interiors.
Emirates President Tim Clark 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.”
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury 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’s to many more happy landings!”
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The latest Emirates A380 to be delivered features the airline’s latest signature products onboard including First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas, the highly popular A380 Onboard Bar, its new Premium Economy cabin, and the latest inflight entertainment systems offering the best-in-sky personal screens and unmatched choice of content.
At the 2021 Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates also announced a major retrofit programme which will see 52 of its existing A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy cabins and other enhancements.
