Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has signed a contract for 20 additional A380 aircraft and 16 options with the total agreement valued at $16 billion, firming up the memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced in January.

Deliveries are to start as early as 2020.

In the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; and Edouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, the agreement was signed on the sidelines of the World Government Summit by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Mikail Houari, president Airbus Africa Middle East.

During the event, Sheikh Ahmed and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also discussed the strong aviation ties between the UAE and France, and the expansion of air services between both countries.

Together with the airline’s 101-strong A380 fleet and its current order backlog for 41 aircraft, this new order brings Emirates’ commitment to the A380 programme to 178 aircraft, worth over $60 billion. Emirates’ A380 fleet operates both GE and Rolls-Royce engines, and the airline is evaluating engine options for its latest A380 order.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “This agreement underscores our commitment to the A380 programme, providing stability to the A380 production line and supporting tens of 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 Sheikh Ahmed, 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 Brégier, 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.”

Emirates’ partnership with Airbus spans decades. Emirates is by far the largest Airbus A380 operator in the world with 101 A380s in service today.

Emirates’ modern and efficient fleet of 269 all wide-bodied aircraft connect people and opportunities across its global network of 157 destinations in 84 countries. Based in Dubai, Emirates is one of the world’s largest airlines by international air traffic, and one of the most recognized airline brands globally through its support of premier sports and cultural events. It was named World’s Best Airline in TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards. – TradeArabia News Service