Emirates and Airbus seal deal for 36 planes
Emirates Airline and Airbus have firmed up an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and signed a contract for 20 additional A380s with another 16 to be confirmed at a later date.
The total agreement for 36 aircraft is valued at US$16 billion (Bt505-bn) based on latest list prices. Deliveries are to start by 2020.
The agreement was signed at the World Government Summit by Emirates chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and Mikail Houari, Airbus President for Africa and Middle East.
Also present were Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, and French prime minister Edouard Philippe.
Sheikh Ahmed 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.”
Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president and chief operating officer, replied: “We thank Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed, [Emirates president] Tim Clark and Adel Al-Redha for their continued confidence in the A380, which has so successfully transformed air travel in the 21st century.
“This latest agreement further demonstrates the strength of our valued partnership with Emirates in support of their impressive growth.”
