Emirates has taken delivery of its 100th Airbus A380.
“This is a tremendous moment for Emirates, for Airbus and for our many partners involved in the A380 programme,” said Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum [left in photo], chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline and Group. “There is no doubt that the A380 has had a big positive impact on aerospace manufacturing and the broader aviation industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulating innovation and new product development in many related areas such as ground handling, catering, airport facilities and cabin products, to name a few.”
The airline is the largest operator of the A380 and has 42 left on order.
“We are extremely proud of our long-standing relationship with Emirates – a partnership that has been integral to the A380 programme,” said Tom Enders [second from left in photo], chief executive officer of Airbus. “It is a source of immense satisfaction for everyone at Airbus that such a visionary airline has believed in the A380 from the beginning and chosen it as its flagship and the backbone of its operations. And, of course, it is always exciting to hear positive feedback from our customers and passengers about the aircraft, while associating it with Dubai’s success as the world’s most dynamic air transport hub.”
The aircraft features a special livery paying tribute to the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan, founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, has declared 2018 the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since the birth of his father. Emirates will apply the livery to a total of five A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs.
Emirates received its first A380 in 2008 and now flies the type to 48 destinations around the world.
