Aircraft buying spree to help Emirates route expansion

Aimed at supporting the expansion of its international route network, Dubai-based international airline Emirates has bought a total of 60 wide-bodied aircraft. A letter of intent was signed by Emirates with Airbus for 30 Airbus A330-300s and 30 Airbus A350 XWBs.The airline aims at forging ahead with its expansion plans and the A330-300s and A350 XWBs are expected to enable Emirates to continue its growth using modern fuel-efficient aircraft. The announcement was made during a high-profile ceremony at an Airbus facility in Hamburg to mark Emirates’ receipt of its first A380 superjumbo, equipped with an Onboard Shower Spa.

Meanwhile, Emirates has also taken delivery of its first Airbus A380 ‘superjumbo’ at the planemaker’s new Jurgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre. Signifcantly, Emirates was the first to place a firm order for it eight years ago.

In July 2000 Emirates became the first airline to sign a firm commitment and place a deposit for the world’s biggest commercial aircraft, initially for seven aircraft, with five further options, collectively worth US$1.5 billion. By November 2007, it had placed firm orders for 58 A380s.  The airline’s investment in the aircraft, including engines and inflight features, exceeds €32 billion, with €12 billion spent in Germany alone.

The Emirates A380s will be powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, enabling the carrier to save 500,000 litres of fuel per aircraft per year over any other engine alternative currently available.   The aircraft operated by Emirates will offer fuel economy as low as 3.1 litres per 100 passenger km, which is said to be better than that of Toyota’s much acclaimed Prius hybrid passenger vehicle that uses 4.4 litres per 100 vehicle km.

Emirates also unveiled its Onboard Lounge, located in the Business Class cabin for use by First and Business Class passengers. The Lounge is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club. Another First Class social area and bar is located at the front of the upper deck, an Emirates source pointed out.

The delivery of this aircraft takes the Emirates fleet to 118, including 108 passenger aircraft and 10 freighters.