Emirates reveals A380 delivery date

EMIRATES Airlines announced it will receive the first of its 58 A380 aircraft on order from Airbus’ Hamburg facility on 28 July, 2008.

The 58 A380s on Emirates’ order book are worth US$18.8 billion at current list prices.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airlines & 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.

“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. We very much look forward to receiving our first A380 aircraft next month.”

In its current financial year (ending March 2009), Emirates will receive delivery of five A380s, with 10 tonnes of bellyhold capacity for cargo.