Airbus has delivered its latest A380 plane to Emirates as the countdown begins to the end of super-jumbo programme.
The aircraft – with wings made at Broughton in North Wales – was delivered from Airbus’ Hamburg facility last week.
The remaining order of five A380s will be delivered over 2021 and 2022 before the programme comes to a halt.
Broughton saw the final A380 wings leave the plant in February – a year after the aerospace giant announced the programme would be ended due to a lack of demand from airlines.
Emirates has been the most loyal customer for the planes and these latest jets include a premium economy cabin product, together with enhancements and a refreshed look across all cabins onboard.
Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better.
“While others cut back, Emirates is working hard to restore the products and services that we’ve had to suspend or adjust due to pandemic precautions, and introduce new offerings and enhancements.
“True to our fly better promise, Emirates continues to invest to offer our customers the best possible experience.”
Emirates’ premium economy seats will also be installed on some of its Boeing 777X aircraft which are only due to join the fleet in 2023.
Emirates is considering plans to retrofit its existing A380 fleet.
Tim Clark added: “Our premium economy product was carefully developed in keeping with Emirates’ brand positioning as a full-service airline of the highest quality.
“Our First, Business and Economy experiences reset industry standards when they were introduced, and we are confident that our Premium Economy will also make its mark as a distinct premium offering.
“Until we have a viable number of seats in our inventory to bring to market, we plan to offer the Emirates Premium Economy experience as a complimentary upgrade to valued customers.
“We’ll also deploy our newest A380 aircraft on various routes so that our customers can experience our latest offering in all classes.”
Emirates will announce details of where its A380 aircraft with premium economy will be deployed in the coming weeks.
