Emirates to retire 26 aircraft in 2016

DUBAI: Emirates airline plans to retire 26 older aircraft in 2016, replacing them with 36 new planes, in a move it says will reduce its average fleet age to 5.6 years.

The replacement aircraft are 20 new Airbus A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs, which the airline says are 12 per cent more efficient and among the quietest aircraft available.

The aircraft due for retirement have an average age of 15.7 years, compared to an industry average of 25 years, the airline said in a statement. A further 13 aircraft will be retired in 2017, and 13 in 2018.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark said, “We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for the environment, and provides our customers with a superior level of comfort and safety.”

Emirates currently operates 244 aircraft, with another 262, worth more than $120 billion (Dh440.4 billion), on order. The order book includes 71 A380s, 42 Boeing 777-300ERs, 115 Boeing 777-9Xs and 35 Boeing 777-8Xs. The 777-Xs, due for delivery in 2020, are 20 per cent more fuel efficient than previous models, Emirates said.