Emirates gets its first A380 Superjumbo

Dubai, July 28 (UNI) After much delay and debate over reported demand for compensation for late delivery, Emirates today took delivery of its first Airbus A380 'superjumbo' at the planemaker's new Jurgen Thomas A380 Delivery Centre, Hamburg.

The aircraft was received by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, at an official handover ceremony attended by President of Emirates Airline Tim Clark, Airbus CEO Tom Enders and 58 Emirates cabin crew, representing the number of A380s the Dubai based carrier has on firm order.

The aircraft has a Shower Spa and two fully equipped bathrooms in its First Class cabins, including shower facilities. The onboard lounge in the Business Class cabin for use by First and Business Class passengers, is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club, an Emirates statement said.

Another First Class social area and bar is located at the front of the upper deck.

Sheikh Ahmed noted that while Emirates may not have been the first airline to receive the new generation aircraft, it was the first to place a firm order for it eight years ago.

In July 2000 Emirates became the first airline to sign a firm commitment and place a deposit for the world's biggest commercial aircraft, initially for seven aircraft, with five further options, collectively worth 1.5 billion dollars.

By November 2007, Emirates had placed firm orders for 58 A380s.

The Emirates A380s will be powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, enabling the carrier to save 5,00,000 litres of fuel per aircraft per year over any other engine alternative currently available.

The delivery of this aircraft takes the Emirates fleet to 118, including 108 passenger aircraft and 10 freighters.

The first five 489-seat, long range aircraft will be deployed on some of the carrier's busiest routes including New York, London Heathrow (December 1), Sydney and Auckland (February 1, 2009), the statement added.

Emirates is so far the biggest customer of the superjumbo.

UNI XC SBA HT2018