Milestone Aircraft Is An A380

Emirates Airline and Airbus have marked a major achievement, by celebrating the hand-over of the 6,000th aircraft in the airframe manufacturer's 40 year history. The aircraft, an A380, was handed over to Emirates Airline in a ceremony in Hamburg, Airbus announced Monday. The aircraft is Emirates' eighth A380.

Accepting delivery of the new aircraft, Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Emirates' Engineering and Operations, said: "The A380 represents the future of air travel and our strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet our ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand. If a powerful demonstration of the resilience of the aviation industry was required, today has provided that. All who have flown the A380 will realize that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials."

"Today's delivery is our 25th A380 so far, and more importantly, the 6,000th Airbus produced in our 40 year history. It is particularly significant that it is both an A380 and for Emirates, as they were involved in its development from early on. We are proud to have the words' Airbus 6,000th Aircraft' inscribed alongside the Emirates livery," said Tom Enders, Airbus CEO.

With a total order for 58 aircraft, Emirates is the single largest customer for the A380. Established in 1985, Emirates became an Airbus operator from the outset. Today, Emirates' Airbus fleet has grown to 55 aircraft with a further 121 on order.

FMI: www.airbus.com