Dubai-based mega carrier Emirates is doubling down its investments to maintain and improve the operational efficiency of its Airbus A380 fleet over the next decade. The investment will also allow the carrier to maximize fleet performance and reliability of its double-decker fleet through deals agreed at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
Emirates is the world’s largest international airline and is also the largest A380 operator, with 119 of the wide-bodied superjumbos.
The airline has been busy signing agreements worth over USD $1.5 billion at the Dubai Airshow, expanding its network of providers and partners to deliver superior aviation aftermarket and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for the A380 fleet.
Representatives from the airline have been busy negotiating with teams from its partner organizations, including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Safran, Lufthansa Technik, OEM Services, Gameco, Haeco, and others.
The aim of these negotiations, according to a statement issued by Emirates, is to optimize its A380 fleet’s lifespan and unlock additional operational efficiency gains, all at its exacting standards. Under the terms of deals agreed between the parties, Emirates’ partners will provide a range of MRO services, parts provisioning, component repairs, and as well as technical support.
“The A380 has been and will continue to be very much part of the Emirates story,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates. “Its size and capacity have allowed Emirates to unlock growth at some of the world’s busiest airports, opened new opportunities for travelers, and substantially raised standards for passenger comfort. Our continued commitment to and confidence in the A380 is why we’re investing heavily to keep the fleet in optimal shape and pristine condition. The A380 will remain core to our network and customer proposition for the next decade, and we want to ensure our fleet is in tip-top shape.”
Details of A380 support agreements signed
Collins Aerospace will support the airline’s A380 Main Landing gear overhaul program, while Safran Landing Systems will provide Emirates exclusive services for its A380 nose landing gear.
Honeywell will provide wheels and carbon brakes for 116 A380 aircraft. Maintenance of the wheels and brakes will be performed at Emirates maintenance shops, ensuring continued maintenance support in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Emirates and Pratt & Whitney have signed a maintenance and support agreement for the airline’s PW980 Auxiliary Power Units.
Lufthansa Technik will provide Emirates with Base Maintenance Services (BMS) for the airline’s A380s and will provide additional C Checks for the aircraft across the next three years. The C Checks will be performed by Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) in Manila. Lufthansa Technik’s center in Manila has already carried out several heavy checks for Emirates’ A380s since January 2023.
The airline has also signed agreements with Gameco, based in Guangzhou, China, and Haeco in Xiamen, China, for A380 C Checks starting in January and February 2024, respectively.
Emirates currently operates 90 of its 119-strong fleet of A380s, with more slated to enter active service in the coming months.
Last year, the carrier began its A380 retrofit program, with 67 A380s earmarked for a refresh across every cabin class, in addition to the installation of the airline’s new premium economy Class cabins. So far, 16 aircraft have been upgraded and are now in full commercial service.