Emirates Eyes Fleet of 90 A380s In 2017
Jun 8, 2010
Robert Wall
Emirates Airlines expects to operate a fleet of 90 Airbus A380s by the end of 2017 following the $11.5 billion deal for 32 more of the mega-transports.
None of the 32 aircraft ordered as part of the single-largest A380 deal are to replace existing ones, says airline president Tim Clark. The first A380 was fielded by Emirates in 2008 and it will not be retired until 2020.
The commitment underscores the airline’s “strategy to become the world’s leading carrier,” says Emirates CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed Al Maktoum. The final aircraft under the deal will be delivered in 2017.
Emirates placed the order at a time it is heavily lobbying Berlin for additional traffic rights to expand its network; a move Lufthansa is vehemently opposing. Signing for the aircraft in the presence of German chancellor Angela Merkel, Sheikh Ahmed points out he would like to fly the A380 to Berlin. And, he notes, the deal will help secure 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in Germany.
The firm deal means Airbus has reached its A380 order target for the year, which was 20 units. Airbus chief operating officer for customers, John Leahy, says the next available A380 production slot is in 2015. Leahy says talks are still underway with several customers for additional purchases. However, he wouldn’t increase the annual order target.
Clark reaffirmed his interest in the stretched version of the A380, the -900, but it was not under discussion this time around. Airbus CEO Tom Enders says the company will eventually offer the aircraft, but production rates for the basic -800 first have to increase.
Emirates is sticking with the GP7200 engine provided by the Engine Alliance joint venture of General Electric/Pratt & Whitney.
The A380 deal brings Airbus order market share for the year to 49% by units and 60% by value in the competition with Boeing, Leahy says.
The total A380 order book now stands at 234 units, with 10 delivered to Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, Air France, and Lufthansa. The latter is due to commence commercial operations with its A380 on June 11.
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...7&channel=comm
Emirates Eyes Fleet of 90 A380s In 2017
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