Latest news with #A380s
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Emirates will keep A380 flying until end of next decade
Emirates is already pouring billions of dollars into a refresh of its fleet of A380s as it seeks to extend the jumbo jets' lifespan. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG Emirates will keep A380 flying until end of next decade New Delhi - Emirates plans to keep its giant fleet of Airbus A380 double-deckers in operation until the end of the next decade, as the world's largest international airline seeks to extend the lifespan of an aircraft that helped lay the foundation for its dominance on global routes. The Dubai-based carrier will introduce one more upgrade to the aircraft's first-class cabins before retiring the planes at the end of the next decade, Emirates president Tim Clark told journalists at an aviation gathering in New Delhi on Sunday. 'Like a hotel, you've got to keep at it, and we'll change out the products,' Mr Clark said. The new first class for the aircraft is 'on the drawing board' at the moment, he said, declining to provide details. Emirates is already pouring billions of dollars into a refresh of its fleet of A380s as it seeks to extend the jumbo jets' lifespan. Airbus announced early in 2019 that it would cease making the plane because of slim orders, with only Emirates buying the giant plane in large quantities, with a fleet of more than 100 units. Many other carriers have retired their fleets, and switched to smaller variants like the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing 777. 'We can probably push her out for quite a few years yet,' Mr Clark said of the A380 aircraft. Emirates has broken some older double-deckers, so the airline has a large storage of parts, though getting spares for the engines might prove harder over time, he added. Mr Clark is pushing the lifespan of the planes because Emirates lacks an obvious replacement at this stage. The airline has not ordered the A350-1000 because Mr Clark has been openly critical of the durability of the aircraft's engines, made by Rolls-Royce. And the Boeing 777X model will not arrive before some time next year, he said. Boeing is providing 'clearer messages' on its delivery program for the 777X, the next iteration of its popular wide-body aircraft, Mr Clark said, with an entry into service in global fleets possibly towards autumn next year. The refreshed A380s come with a four-class layout consisting of first, business, premium economy and economy class. Emirates equipped its original first class with extras such as enclosed cabins and even showers, while business-class passengers can mingle at a communal bar on the upper deck. While the A380 is a hit with the flying public because of its imposing size and often luxurious layout, airlines struggled to make it operationally viable, given the high fuel costs and complexity to operate a plane of that size on many routes. Bloomberg Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Emirates Commits to A380 Fleet Through Next Decade
Emirates has confirmed plans to operate its fleet of Airbus A380 double-decker aircraft until the close of the 2030s, signalling a strategic decision to extend the service life of the very planes that propelled the airline to global prominence. The Dubai-based carrier intends to introduce one final upgrade to the A380's first-class cabins as part of its commitment to maintaining the aircraft's appeal and competitive edge on long-haul international routes. Airline President Tim Clark announced the decision at an aviation forum in New Delhi, emphasising that the A380 remains central to Emirates' operational strategy despite industry-wide trends shifting towards smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft. This move bucks the broader industry trend where many carriers have either retired or significantly downsized their A380 fleets, citing high operational costs and changing market dynamics. Emirates' confidence in the A380 is underpinned by the aircraft's unique ability to accommodate high-density passenger loads while offering spacious cabins, including private suites in first class, shower spas, and extensive onboard amenities. The airline's distinctive approach to luxury air travel helped establish the A380 as a symbol of prestige and comfort, especially on long-haul routes connecting Dubai with major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America. ADVERTISEMENT Tim Clark outlined that the impending first-class refurbishment will focus on modernising the interiors with the latest technology and design enhancements to meet evolving customer expectations. The upgrade is expected to feature improved seating, entertainment systems, and bespoke services designed to maintain Emirates' reputation as a leader in premium air travel. While other carriers such as Lufthansa and Qantas have already begun phasing out their A380s due to rising fuel costs and the impact of fluctuating demand, Emirates' approach reflects its unique market positioning. Dubai's role as a global transit hub and Emirates' extensive network allows the airline to exploit the A380's size and range more efficiently than many competitors. Despite criticism of the A380 for its fuel consumption relative to newer twin-engine aircraft, Emirates has invested in operational efficiencies and weight reduction measures to enhance fuel economy. The airline has also integrated the A380 into its fleet renewal plan alongside newer models like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, balancing capacity and flexibility. The A380 programme itself has faced challenges over the years, including Airbus' announcement that production would cease by 2021, owing to weak orders from airlines worldwide. However, Emirates remains the largest operator by far, with more than 100 of the aircraft in service, and this latest commitment underscores its continued confidence in the superjumbo's commercial viability. Industry analysts note that Emirates' decision to keep the A380 in operation through the end of the decade will influence global airline fleet strategies. The airline's deep integration of the A380 into its hub-and-spoke model, combined with strong passenger demand on key routes, enables it to leverage the aircraft's capacity more effectively than airlines with less concentrated traffic flows. ADVERTISEMENT Dubai's infrastructure also supports the operation of the A380 with terminals specifically designed to handle the aircraft's size and passenger volume. This unique advantage reinforces Emirates' competitive position in the international aviation market. As Emirates prepares to roll out the cabin upgrades, attention will focus on how these enhancements improve the passenger experience and whether they set a new standard for luxury air travel on large aircraft. The move comes amid heightened competition in premium cabins from carriers in the Middle East and Asia, prompting Emirates to maintain its leading edge through innovation and quality service. The airline's commitment to the A380 is also a testament to its broader strategy of sustaining flagship products that reinforce brand loyalty. This approach contrasts with many airlines that have opted for rapid fleet renewal or downsizing amid pressures to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to fluctuating travel demand. While environmental concerns continue to shape aviation's future, Emirates' operational measures and investment in sustainable aviation fuels may mitigate the environmental impact of keeping the A380 flying for another decade. The airline has announced pilot projects and partnerships aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, a priority that will remain critical as global regulators increase pressure on emissions standards. Emirates' president has articulated a long-term vision for the airline that balances innovation, passenger comfort, and operational pragmatism. The A380 will remain a cornerstone of this vision, reflecting a blend of engineering excellence and market strategy that few other aircraft have achieved. Maintaining the A380 fleet through the 2030s may also offer Emirates financial advantages, avoiding the massive capital expenditure required for immediate large-scale fleet replacements. With planned upgrades, the airline can continue to attract premium travellers who value space, comfort, and exclusivity, distinguishing Emirates from competitors focusing on smaller, more utilitarian aircraft.
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Emirates will keep A380 jumbo flying until end of next Decade
[DUBAI] Emirates plans to keep its giant fleet of Airbus SE A380 double-deckers in operation until the end of next decade, as the world's largest international airline seeks to extend the lifespan of an aircraft that helped lay the foundation for its dominance on global routes. The Dubai-based carrier will introduce one more upgrade to the aircraft's first-class cabins before retiring the planes at the end of next decade, Emirates President Tim Clark told journalists at an aviation gathering in New Delhi on Sunday (Jun 1). Emirates is already pouring billions into a refresh of its fleet of A380s as it seeks to extend the jumbo jets' lifespan. Airbus announced early in 2019 that it would cease making the plane because of slim orders, with only Emirates buying the giant plane in large quantities, with a fleet of more than 100 units. Many other carriers have retired their fleets, and switched to smaller variants like the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing Co 777. Clark is pushing the lifespan of the planes because Emirates lacks an obvious replacement at this stage. The airline hasn't ordered the A350-1000 because Clark has been openly critical of the durability of the aircraft's engines, made by Rolls-Royce Holdings. And the Boeing 777X model won't arrive before sometime next year, he said. Boeing is providing 'clearer messages' on its delivery programme for the 777X, the next iteration of its popular widebody aircraft, Clark said, with an entry into service in global fleets possibly toward the fall of next year. The refreshed A380s come with a four-class layout consisting of first, business, premium economy and economy class. Emirates equipped its original first class with extras like enclosed cabins and even showers, while business-class passengers can mingle at a communal bar on the upper deck. While the A380 is a hit with the flying public because of its imposing size and often luxurious layout, airlines struggled to make it operationally viable given the high fuel costs and complexity to operate a plane of that size on many routes. BLOOMBERG
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Emirates Will Keep A380 Jumbo Flying Until End of Next Decade
(Bloomberg) -- Emirates plans to keep its giant fleet of Airbus SE A380 double-deckers in operation until the end of next decade, as the world's largest international airline seeks to extend the lifespan of an aircraft that helped lay the foundation for its dominance on global routes. The Dubai-based carrier will introduce one more upgrade to the aircraft's first-class cabins before retiring the planes at the end of next decade, Emirates President Tim Clark told journalists at an aviation gathering in New Delhi on Sunday. Emirates is already pouring billions into a refresh of its fleet of A380s as it seeks to extend the jumbo jets' lifespan. Airbus announced early in 2019 that it would cease making the plane because of slim orders, with only Emirates buying the giant plane in large quantities, with a fleet of more than 100 units. Many other carriers have retired their fleets, and switched to smaller variants like the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing Co. 777. Clark is pushing the lifespan of the planes because Emirates lacks an obvious replacement at this stage. The airline hasn't ordered the A350-1000 because Clark has been openly critical of the durability of the aircraft's engines, made by Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc. And the Boeing 777X model won't arrive before sometime next year, he said. Boeing is providing 'clearer messages' on its delivery program for the 777X, the next iteration of its popular widebody aircraft, Clark said, with an entry into service in global fleets possibly toward the fall of next year. The refreshed A380s come with a four-class layout consisting of first, business, premium economy and economy class. Emirates equipped its original first class with extras like enclosed cabins and even showers, while business-class passengers can mingle at a communal bar on the upper deck. While the A380 is a hit with the flying public because of its imposing size and often luxurious layout, airlines struggled to make it operationally viable given the high fuel costs and complexity to operate a plane of that size on many routes. More stories like this are available on
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Holiday goers rave over Tesco dupe of £1k Rimowa suitcases loved by celebs – they're under £30 and there's two colours
The original suitcases have been spotted with celebs like Zendaya and Cara Delevingne SHOP TO IT Holiday goers rave over Tesco dupe of £1k Rimowa suitcases loved by celebs – they're under £30 and there's two colours IF you're jetting off somewhere sunny this year and need a new suitcase, look no further than Tesco The supermarket currently has a dupe of the popular Rimowa brand in stores, and for a bargain price. 2 Libbie showed off her find on TikTok Credit: Tiktok/@libbiemayfitzpatrick 2 The dupes are available in both gold and silver Credit: Tiktok/@libbiemayfitzpatrick You've probably seen the Rimowa suitcases rolling alongside your favourite celebs and influencers without even realising. Stars like Zendaya, Cara Delevingne and Julianne Moore have been photographed with the stylish luggage before, but the Rimowa Classic Cabin will set you back a whopping £1,130 - and prices go up if you want a larger case too. Luckily, one savvy shopper spotted the dupe on the shelves of their local Tesco - and you'll save hundreds. Libbie Fitzpatrick took to TikTok to show off the find - and shoppers can even choose from gold or silver. In the viral video she said: "Get yourself down to Tesco because they've just brought out Rimowa-style suitcases and they are stunning!" The suitcases are priced at £65, but Clubcard shoppers can nab the luggage for just £27.50. Holiday goers took to the comment section of the clip to rave about the find, as one wrote: "They've been reduced a while now, over two weeks!" "I got the blue one a few weeks ago, they didn't have gold and silver then. Still prefer the blue. "Suitcases are so expensive these days so these are a good price on the deal," another wrote. But others weren't sure if plastic suitcases would be a good fit for airport chaos. My daughter is never going to school because our eight family holidays per year are more important - parents who only take trips during the official breaks are 'utter muppets' Meanwhile, others wanted to know if the suitcases were lightweight, "Please tell me it's light weight and won't take off my allowance," one said. And another agreed: "I don't like hard style cases, they weight a bit more so you can't carry as much." If you are on the hunt for a new suitcase that will stand the test of time, Captain Alexander York, who flies A380s for Emirates, shared his go-to bag that has yet to let him down. The 40-year-old has been using the exact same suitcase for over a decade and knows which cases are more likely to end up being duds. He told 9Travel: "I've been using a large hard case Samsonite for over 15 years and it's served me well." Hard-shell luggage is rigid and usually made of plastic or metal, while soft-shell cases are typically made of fabric and are more flexible. While he did not name a specific one, Samsonite said its hard-shell suitcases are typically made from "high-quality materials like polycarbonate or aluminium." Alexander recommended hard cases over soft ones, despite their higher weight, as he believes softer ones are at a greater risk of damage. He said: "I think bags with exposed wheels, or soft pouches are bound to be damaged, so I'd stick with the hard case."
