Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is to take delivery of 20 Airbus A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs in 2016 as part of a modernisation which includes withdrawing over 50 jets in the next three years.
The Dubai-based carrier is removing 26 aircraft next year alone, among them 12 Airbus A330s and five A340s plus nine 777s – mainly older -200ERs and -300s.These retirements cover aircraft with an average age of nearly 16 years. Deliveries of the 36 A380s and 777-300ERs will take the average age of theEmirates fleet to below six years, the airline states.
Emirates says the “ambitious” schedule also involves withdrawing another 26 aircraft over 2017-18.“We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for the environment, and provides our customers with a superior level of comfort and safety,” says Emirates Airline president Tim Clark.“With the retirement of older aircraft and the introduction of new, more fuel efficient aircraft in 2016, Emirates will continue to lead the industry in reducing the age of our fleet.”