Emirates_A380-800 A6-EDF arrives at London.
Emirates_A380-800 A6-EDF arrives at London. Photo copyright Devesh Agarwal.

Airbus A380 rescue. Emirates orders 36 additional superjumbos for $16B

January 18, 2018 Comments Off on Airbus A380 rescue. Emirates orders 36 additional superjumbos for $16B 366 Views

The struggling Airbus A380 superjumbo program was just handed a lifeline by its largest operator, Dubai-based Emirates Airline.

The Gulf behemoth has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire up to 36 additional A380 aircraft. The firm commitment is for 20 A380s with options for an 16. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2020. From the first A380 delivery in July 2008, Emirates has 101 superjumbos in service and 41 on order before this agreement.

This is a hard fought win for the European airframer and its retiring sales head John Leahy. At the start of this week, Airbus said it would have to close A380 production if the Emirates order did not come through. It is reported this agreement rescues the production line till 2029 since Emirates will take delivery of six aircraft a year for a decade.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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