Carrier Expects First Deliveries This Year

The airline that aims to operate the largest fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos worldwide is eagerly anticipating delivery of its first plane... and is touting the network it eventually will offer.

Dubai-based Emirates said recently its A380s will spread their wings to some of the furthest points on the airline's network -- New York, London Heathrow, Sydney and Auckland -- reinforcing the airline's extensive reach and span.

Emirates is scheduled to operate its new A380s non-stop from Dubai to New York starting in October, from London Heathrow in December, and Sydney-Auckland from February 2009. The aircraft on these routes will offer 489 seats -- 14 in First Class, 76 in Business and 399 in Economy.

"Our A380s will take to the skies in late summer, signalling an end to our long wait and ushering in a new era for Emirates," said Emirates president Tim Clark. "We have played an integral role during the design and development stage to tow the aircraft from the drawing board to the production line, and we look forward to bringing them into commercial service.

"While we are still debating our first commercial A380 route, it has always been our intention to fly the aircraft on capacity-constrained trunk routes. The cities that we have now scheduled for A380 services, starting this autumn, bring our plans to fruition."

Emirates -- the first, and by a large margin, the leading customer for the A380s with 58 on order -- will take delivery of five of the double-decker aircraft this year. Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium-range three-class 517-seater; and a medium-range two-class aircraft with 604 seats.

The arrival of the first Emirates A380 will prove to be a major milestone for the airline, as it takes the first step in the gradual build-up towards becoming the world's largest operator of the super-jumbo. The airline hopes its A380s will become a familiar sight to millions of travellers worldwide by the end of the decade.

FMI: www.emirates.com