Dubai based Emirates Airline has ordered a further 32 A380s from Airbus, taking their total firm orders for the iconic flagship of the 21^st century to 90 aircraft. The order has a list price of US$ 11.5 billion. The agreement was signed in a ceremony today at the Berlin Air Show witnessed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, by Emirates Airline Group Chairman and CEO His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, and Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders

“This latest order, adding to 58 A380s previously ordered, affirms Emirates’ strategy  to become a world leading carrier and to further establish Dubai as a central gateway to worldwide air travel. The A380 is our flagship in terms of passenger comfort, innovation, operating and environmental efficiency and revenue generation. Our latest commitment signals Emirates’ confidence in the growth to come in a thriving aviation sector,” said H.H.Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al- Maktoum.

“Emirates has supported the development of the A380 from the earliest days, and today’s order – the single largest A380 order ever – is the best endorsement I can imagine. On behalf of all of us at Airbus, we thank Emirates for their confidence and support. The A380 is indeed a remarkable eco-efficient aircraft, a profit generator for airlines and a great flying experience for passengers,” said Tom Enders.

Following delivery of their first A380 in July 2008, Emirates now operates ten aircraft serving eight international destinations including London Heathrow, Toronto, Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland. The airline expects the list of destinations to increase as more and more airports around the world are A380 ready. Emirates’ tenth A380, received on 7 June 2010, is on static display at the ILA Berlin Air Show. All Emirates’ A380 are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines and delivered from Hamburg. In Germany more than 30 major suppliers are directly feeding into the A380 programme. The A380 programme alone adds an estimated 40,000 direct, indirect and induced German jobs. 

The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, is also the quietest and most fuel efficient, demonstrably consuming less than three litres of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometres. Nearly 5.5 million passengers have already enjoyed the new experience of flying on-board one of the 30 A380s in service, taking them to 20 major international destinations worldwide in unequalled comfort.
The A380 in-service fleet has accumulated over 15,000 commercial flights, and its operators have unanimously praised its popularity with passengers, higher load factors and superior profitability. With a range of 8,300nm / 15,400 km, and seating from 400 to more than 800 passengers, the A380 is the answer to alleviate traffic congestion at busy airports, cope with growth and minimise environmental impact. A380 firm orders now stand at 234 from 17 customers.