Twenty-one years after Emirates took delivery of its first Airbus A380 superjumbo jet, the airline has received its 123rd and final plane.
Emirates was the first airline to announce an order for the A380 at the 2000 Farnborough Air Show when the aircraft was still marketed as the A3XX.
A year later, EK followed up with a firm commitment and additional order for 15 more units at the 2001 Dubai Air Show. The purchase came just six weeks after 9/11 sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and was seen as a sign of optimism.
Now receiving a brand-new aircraft during a global pandemic, Emirates said it was once again signalling optimism for industry recovery and the return of travel.
"The A380 is a truly special aircraft in so many ways," said EK president Tim Clark. "For Emirates, it gave us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience, efficiently serve demand at slot-constrained airports, and bolster our network growth.
"The A380 will remain Emirates' flagship product for the coming years, and a vital pillar of our network plans."
At the 2021 Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a major retrofit program which will see 52 existing A380s fitted with premium economy cabins and other enhancements.
According to data from Cirium, 251 Airbus A380 aircraft have been delivered to date. There are currently 76 in service, with a total of 165 in storage, while a small number have been retired.
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