Dubai – Masaader News
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Prime Minister of France Edouard Philippe attended the agreement signature between Emirates Airline, the world’s largest international airline, and Airbus.
Emirates signed a contract for 20 additional A380 aircraft and 16 options, firming up the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was announced in January. The total agreement for 36 aircraft is valued at US$16 billion. Deliveries are to start as early as 2020.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Chairman of Emirates Group, and Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East.
During the event, Sheikh Ahmed and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe discussed the strong ties between the UAE and France in the field of aviation in addition to the expansion of air services between both countries.
Together with the airline’s 101-strong A380 fleet and its current order backlog for 41 aircraft, this new order brings Emirates’ commitment to the A380 programme to 178 aircraft, worth over US$ 60 billion. Emirates’ A380 fleet operates both GE and Rolls-Royce engines, and the airline is evaluating engine options for its latest A380 order.
Sheikh Ahmed said that the agreement underscores Emirates’ commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting tens of thousands of high-value jobs across the aviation supply chain. He added that the A380 has been a successful aircraft for Emirates’ customers, operations and brand and the airline is looking forward to continue working with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product.
Airbus President Commercial Aircraft and Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Brégier said: “This latest agreement further demonstrates the strength of our valued partnership with Emirates in support of their impressive growth. We would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Sir Tim Clark and Adel Al Redha for their confidence and support.”
Emirates’ partnership with Airbus spans decades. Emirates is by far the largest Airbus A380 operator in the world with 101 A380s in service today.