Dubai: Emirates and Airbus firmed up an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed a contract for 20 additional A380s, with another 16 options to be confirmed at a later date. The total agreement for 36 aircraft is valued at $16 billion (Dh58 billion) based on latest list prices.
Deliveries are to start as early as 2020.
The agreement was signed at the World Government Summit by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Mikail Houari, Airbus President for Africa and Middle East.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, were also present.
Shaikh Ahmad said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting thousands of high-value jobs across the aviation supply chain. For Emirates, the A380 has been a successful aircraft for our customers, our operations, and our brand. We look forward to continue working with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product.”
“We thank Emirates, HH Shaikh Ahmad, Tim Clark and Adel Al Redha for their continued confidence in the A380, which has so successfully transformed air travel in the 21st century,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft and Chief Operating Officer. “This latest agreement further demonstrates the strength of our valued partnership with Emirates in support of their impressive growth.”
The A380 flagship airliner can accommodate 575 passengers in four classes and offers a range of 15,200 kilometres.
