Just days after becoming the world’s first airline to operate a fleet made up solely of Airbus A380s, the biggest jetliner ever built, and Boeing 777s, Emirates is adding to its line-up of superjumbos.
The carrier has started taking delivery of its new generation A380 and 777-300ER aircraft. The first of the new generation A380s was delivered this month as Emirates’ 85th A380. The first of its new generation Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is expected to be delivered this month and will feature upgraded business-class seats among other features.
“These new aircraft reflect Emirates’ continued investment and commitment to flying a modern, environmentally–friendly fleet and providing its customers with a superior level of comfort and safety,” said the airline.
In addition to its world-renowned Onboard Lounge and first-class shower spa, the new generation A380-388Q will have several new features including a new seat configuration. This is the first of seven of the aircraft expected to be delivered this fiscal year, with 51 more on order. With the relocation of the crew rest area, there will be 25 additional seats in economy class, making a total of 426 seats on the lower deck. First and business-class seats will remain at 14 and 76, respectively.
The business-class cabin features a higher ceiling, while the overhead cabin lockers on the new A380 t will be concentrated in the middles aisles and will be 28 per cent larger.
Emirates said the next generation A380s, which retail at US$ 432.6 million at list price, are expected to serve more ultra-long haul routes. Airlines generally receive a discount on bulk orders
From end of this month, the carrier will begin taking delivery of its new generation Boeing 777-300ERs, which cost $315m at list price. It will be the first of six of the aircraft due this fiscal year and there are 27 in total on order. The new jetliner will feature enhanced business-class seats which recline to 180-degree fully flat beds of 78 inches in length, an in-seat minibar and the largest inflight entertainment screen in business class at 23 inches.
The aircraft will also have an upgraded seat configuration with two additional seats in economy class taking the total capacity in economy to 306. The number of seats in first and business class will remain the same at eight and 42 seats, respectively.
Both these fuel efficient aircraft are expected to have improved environmental performance with 2 per cent lower fuel burn, Emirates said.
The carrier’s entire fleet is now made up completely of 777s and A380s, as it recently retired the last of its Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft. An all-Boeing 777-and-A380 fleet means that the inflight entertainment offering will effectively be 100 per cent video on demand, according to Emirates, giving customers full control and choice with up to 2,600 channels of entertainment on its “ice” system.
Currently, 85 per cent of its passenger aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi on board, including all A380s. In addition, 108 aircraft are equipped with live TV, which has up to nine channels of live news and sport.
“With close to 90 per cent of customers on Emirates connecting to Wi-Fi on long-haul flights, Emirates will continue to meet the increasing demand for connectivity, enabling more aircraft with Wi-Fi and live TV each month,” the airline said.
chnelson@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter