The once-maligned Airbus A380 is here to stay — and Emirates’ $180 million deal proves it

Emirates‘ iconic double-decker jets are only growing more important for the Dubai-based airline.

While many airlines have retired some of their Airbus A380s since the pandemic, Emirates has just bought some more.

Doric Nimrod Air Three Limited, a Guernsey-based lessor, announced last Friday that it had agreed to sell Emirates four Airbus A380s in a $180 million deal.

Emirates had already been leasing these planes for the past 12 years, but this commitment is a signal of further confidence in the type.

No airline can buy brand-new A380s because Airbus ended production in 2021 after 18 years of the superjumbo.

Emirates’ hub-and-spoke route model sees it fly over 50 million passengers a year, with many transiting through its Dubai base to reach other destinations. This relies on huge planes with a large capacity, like the A380, to efficiently transport people on the most popular routes, such as London to Dubai.

Emirates President Tim Clark previously told Business Insider it is “probably the most profitable asset we’ve got.”

Emirates is by far the biggest operator of the type. According to data from Ch-aviation, it owns 118 Airbus A380s — about 60% of all those operated by airlines.

The airline will take ownership of the four A380s between August and November, said Doric Nimrod Air Three Limited.

Plus, the enormous planes look set for an upgrade.

Executive Traveller reported that at last month’s annual general meeting for the International Air Transport Association, Clark said an all-new first-class suite is coming to the A380.

“In fact, I’ve got another design of first class coming up, which is on the drawing board,” he reportedly said. “Like a hotel, you’ve got to keep at it, and we’ll change out the products.”

The capacious jet is known for hosting a range of luxuries, such as onboard bars and showers on Emirates. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has a $24,000 three-room suite available on its superjumbos — with a bedroom, shower, and living room, called “The Residence.”

However, operating an A380 is expensive because it has four engines, which use huge amounts of fuel. This has prompted carriers such as Air France, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines to ditch the A380 during or soon after the pandemic.

Although Emirates plans to continue flying its A380s through to the late 2030s.

Clark previously told BI that he would like to see Airbus make a new version of the A380. He added that a modernized version, with new materials and Rolls-Royce engines, could be up to 25% more fuel efficient.

The “compelling nature” of a four-engine plane remains “quite clear to many, many people,” he said.

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