Emirates Makes Significant Investment in A380 Fleet to Ensure Decades of Premium Travel Experience

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and the largest A380 operator, is doubling down on investments to maintain and increase operational efficiency, as well as maximize fleet performance and dependability of its double-decker aircraft for the foreseeable future.

On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, the airline announced deals worth more than USD $1.5 billion with an extended network of suppliers and partners to provide improved aviation aftermarket and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.

Emirates will leverage the expertise and capabilities of partners such as Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Safran, Lufthansa Technik, OEM Services, Gameco, Haeco, and others on a large scale to extend the life of its A380 fleet and unlock additional operational efficiency gains, all while adhering to its exacting standards. Emirates’ partners will offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as parts provisioning, component repairs, and technical support.

The work, which is currently under progress, is consistent with the airline’s dedication to quality and guarantees that passengers may continue to enjoy its hallmark onboard goods and services for many years to come. In addition to the work being done to maintain its A380 fleet, the airline is moving on with the largest known upgrade program in the industry, at USD $2 billion, which is set to improve the onboard experience even more.

“The A380 has been and will continue to be very much part of the Emirates story,” stated Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. Because of its size and capacity, Emirates has been able to unleash development at some of the world’s busiest airports, provide new options for travelers, and significantly enhance passenger comfort standards. We are investing extensively to keep the fleet in top shape and flawless condition as part of our ongoing commitment to and faith in the A380. The A380 will remain crucial to our network and customer offering for the next decade, and we want to keep our aircraft in good condition.”

Emirates and Collins Aerospace have agreed to a long-term support agreement for the airline’s A380 Main Landing Gear refurbishment program. Collins has been an important partner for Emirates and will offer local assistance in the UAE for a significant portion of the A380 landing gear overhaul scope.

Emirates will receive exclusive services from Safran Landing Systems for its A380 nose landing gear. Emirates will benefit from Safran’s extensive network, which includes MRO facilities in Singapore and France, as well as experience, skills, and bespoke support services for the A380’s landing systems throughout its lifespan.

Honeywell will provide 116 A380 aircraft with wheels and carbon brakes. The sophisticated wheel and braking solutions from Honeywell save weight, save maintenance costs, and help increase overall brake life. Wheel and brake repair will be conducted in Emirates maintenance centers, ensuring ongoing maintenance support in Dubai.

Emirates has extended its 15-year collaboration with OEMServices for continuous component support for the airline’s A380, which includes the provision of spare parts, maintenance services, and engineering support.

Pratt & Whitney and Emirates have agreed to maintain and support the airline’s PW980 Auxiliary Power Units, the most powerful APUs in commercial use. The arrangement guarantees that Emirates receives maintenance planning and assistance that is both timely and effective.

Emirates has built a select network of MRO partners to offer nose-to-tail line base maintenance services, and the airline has worked closely with these suppliers to ensure that they continuously meet its commercial and technical performance standards.

Lufthansa Technik will perform Base Maintenance Services (BMS) and extra C Checks for the airline’s A380s during the next three years. Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP) in Manila will execute the C Checks. Since January of this year, Lufthansa Technik’s Base Maintenance Services competence center in Manila has performed multiple extensive checks on Emirates’ A380s. In addition, Emirates has inked a main landing gear arrangement with Lufthansa Technik for future overhaul needs.

The airline has also secured deals with Guangzhou-based Gameco and Xiamen-based Haeco for A380 C Checks beginning in January and February 2024, respectively.

Emirates presently runs about 90 A380s, with more scheduled to join service in the following months. The airline began its retrofit program last year, with 67 A380s slated for a makeover across all cabin classes, as well as the installation of new Premium Economy Class cabins. So far, 16 aircraft have been renovated and are now fully operational. The Emirates Engineering team is in charge of the whole project, which is unmatched in terms of scope and magnitude in the industry.