Emirates today 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.
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, the airline said.
Sir Tim Clark, President 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.
He said the aircraft received today features the airline’s latest cabin products including Premium Economy.
“Compare it to our very first A380 delivered back in 2008 and you’ll see the myriad of enhancements and upgrades invested in ensuring that the Emirates A380 experience is unparalleled,” he said.
At the 2021 Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates also announced a major retrofit program which will see 52 of its existing A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy cabins and other enhancements, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to ensuring its A380 experience remains best-in-sky.