HAMBURG, Germany, Jan 22 – Aircraft manufacturer Airbus reached an aviation milestone by unveiling its 6,000th aircraft in 40 years of operation when it delivered the A380 to international carrier Emirates.
Airbus Chief Executive Tom Enders said the recent achievement was testament to the resilience of the aviation industry that suffered major set backs as a result of the global financial crisis.
“Today’s delivery is our 25th A380 so far, and more importantly, the 6,000th Airbus produced in our 40-year history. It is particularly significant that it is both an A380 and for Emirates, as they were involved in its development from early on. We are proud to have the words ‘Airbus 6,000th Aircraft’ inscribed alongside the Emirates livery,” Mr Enders said.
Emirates\’ Engineering and Operations Executive Vice President Adel Al Redha said the A380 represents the future of air travel and Emirates’ strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet the airline’s ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand.
“We fully appreciate that our reputation for innovation and service excellence comes with a heavy responsibility to deliver. But all who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, Emirates has provided that,” Mr Al Redha said at the handing over of Emirates\’ 8th double-decker at Airbus\’ delivery centre in Hamburg.
Emirates’ A380 has become the 6000th Airbus aircraft to roll off the production line as the airline continues to weather the financial storm and thrusts ahead with its ambitious expansion plans.
Emirates\’ Engineering and Operations Executive Vice President Adel Al Redha said The A380 represents the future of air travel and Emirates’ strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet the airline’s ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand.
“We fully appreciate that our reputation for innovation and service excellence comes with a heavy responsibility to deliver. But all who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, Emirates has provided that,” Mr Al Redha said at the handing over of Emirates\’ 8th double-decker at Airbus\’ delivery centre in Hamburg.
Emirates now has 55 Airbus aircraft in its current fleet and a further 121 on order, worth more than $35 billion (Sh2 trillion).
Emirates was the first carrier to order the A380 and has ordered more than any other airline – representing 30 percent of the total super jumbo orders. Eight have now been handed over with a further 50 to come.
The super jumbo features Onboard Shower Spas, First Class Private Suites, fully stocked Onboard Lounge and the highly popular ice entertainment system. The Emirates\’ double-decker serves Toronto, London Heathrow, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland, and Jeddah from February 1.
The international airline which announced half-year profits of $205 million (Sh15.5 billion) has so far announced four new routes, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Prague and Madrid for 2010.
