To increase investments in German airlines
Emirates Airline is set to fly to eight new destinations by the end of this year as part of its ambition to become the world's leading carrier serving its passengers with the state-of-the-art aircraft and best-on-board services.
The delivery of the first A-380 superjumbo aeroplane has made history and would serve as a catalyst to bolster the existing trade, investment and tourism ties between the UAE and Germany, a top official at the Emirates said.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Group, who received the first A-380 at the Airbus Hamburg facility, in an interview said, Emirates, which has been investing heavily in its fleet expansion and ground services, would continue to pursue an ambitious expansion plan. "We have been pumping billions of dollars into the airline and have no choice but to expand our network.
"Emirates can afford to spread its wings to all major destinations, and that is what exactly the vision of the airline is," he said. "The existing annual 6 billion euro in bilateral trade between the UAE and Germany would be strengthened further in the days to come.
Shaikh Ahmed said Emirates has huge investments in airlines in Germany, and it would further grow. In July 2000, the air carrier became the first to sign a firm commitment and place a deposit for the world's biggest commercial aircraft, initially for seven aircraft, with five further options, collectively worth $1.5 billion. By last November, the airline had placed firm orders for 58 A380s.
"We have stood firm on our commitment to the A380," he said. "Our investment in the aircraft, including engines and inflight features, exceeds 32 billion euro, with 12 billion euro spent in Germany alone. The shaikh also signed a letter of intent with Airbus CEO Tom Enders for 30 Airbus A330-300s and 30 Airbus A350 XWBs.
Highlighting the importance of the new order from Airbus, Shaikh Ahmed said it would cost the airline roughly $13 billion for 60 new planes. "The new order of 60 wide-bodied aircraft will support the expansion of its international route network.
"We are forging ahead with our expansion plans, and the A330-300s and A350 XWBs will enable Emirates to continue its growth using modern fuel-efficient aircraft. We remain ambitious and every bit as determined to achieve our long-term goals. The 58 A380s are set to play an integral role in the carrier's ambitious network expansion, eventually serving all the major cities in the air carrier's network which spans six continents.
"This first aircraft will be deployed on the Dubai-New York route, marking the first commercial A380 service to the UAE and the US." Emirates has invested heavily in onboard features to ensure that its A380s are the finest, most comfortable in the sky.
The jewel in the aircraft's crown is without doubt the first-class shower spa, two fully equipped bathrooms in its first-class cabins including shower facilities. Emirates is due to receive five superjumbos in the current fiscal year, ending March 31 and receiving the remaining 53 by June 2013.
By Mahmood Rafique Business Correspondent
© Bahrain Tribune 2008
