See following news release issued for Emirates:
News Release, June 6
Emirates To Receive Its First A380 On July 28
Emirates Airline, the largest customer for the Airbus A380, today announced it will receive the first of the 58
superjumbos it has on order from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on July 28.
The Emirates’ A380 order book is worth US$18.8 billion at current list prices.
Emirates’ A380 interiors and onboard product, which has been kept under wraps thus far, will also be revealed for the
first time during the delivery ceremony in Hamburg.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “The A380, with
its large capacity and excellent operating economics, will be one of the pillars of Emirates' future growth. We've been
working very closely with Airbus since the A380 programme’s inception back in 2000, and all through the ups and downs
from the drawing board to production, we have remained unshakable in our belief that this is the aircraft for the next
chapter of aviation.”
Powered by Engine Alliance’s GP7200 engines, Emirates’ A380s are capable of flying up to 15,000km on a full load, and
offer fuel economy as low as 3.1 litres per 100 passenger kilometre – which is better than most hybrid passenger cars
(4.4 litres per 100 vehicle kilometre). While this is a significant environmental development, the A380 is also quieter,
both inside and outside of the cabin, which means more comfort for passengers and a smaller noise footprint.
“Despite the high oil prices, for us demand remains strong and the A380’s combination of range, capacity and fuel
efficiency will help Emirates to continue achieving our growth targets,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “We very much look forward
to receiving our first A380 aircraft next month.”
Emirates has already announced plans to deploy its first A380 aircraft on its routes from Dubai to New York, London
Heathrow, Sydney and Auckland; and will shortly announce details of its first commercial A380 service.
In its current financial year (ending March 2009), Emirates will receive delivery of five A380s, all featuring its ultra
long-haul configuration of 489 seats: 14 in First Class, 76 in Business and 399 in Economy; with 10 tonnes of bellyhold
capacity for cargo.
Emirates currently operates services to 99 cities on 62 countries. Its order book of 180 aircraft (excluding options),
worth approximately US$58 billion, is possibly the largest-ever in commercial aviation history. The airline has invested
in 58 A380s, and over 100 more new generation aircraft that feature the latest technology and composite materials,
because these are more efficient to operate, and produce lower emissions while offering travellers more comfort in the
air.
Emirates flies its wide-bodied aircraft four times daily from New Zealand to Dubai and beyond, via Australia. Passengers
can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning services, sumptuous meals and the finest wines in First, Business and Economy class on
all flights. All services also have Emirates' award-winning 'ice' inflight system, providing more than 600 channels of
information, communication and entertainment.
ENDS