Emirates to get 36 new aircraft, retires 26 planes in 2016
View(s):Emirates is to take delivery of 36 new aircraft and retire 26 under the airline’s fleet in 2016, the airline announced this week. Currently, the total number of aircraft in the Emirates fleet stands at 244.The new aircraft joining the fleet in 2016 include 20 A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs. These two aircraft types are recognised as some of the most efficient and quiet commercial airplanes available, emitting on average 12 per cent less carbon dioxide than the aircraft being retired.
At the end of 2016, the aircraft retirements and new deliveries will put Emirates’ average fleet age at 5.6 years, dramatically younger than the global average. A recent analysis shows the average fleet age for the top five airlines in North America is 13.6 years, while the average fleet age for the top five airlines in Europe is 10.7 years, the airline media release noted.
The 26 aircraft Emirates will retire in 2016 include 12 A330-300s, four A340-300s, one A340-500, six Boeing 777-200ERs, two Boeing 777-300s and one Boeing 777-300ER. The average age of the Emirates aircraft slated for retirement in 2016 will be 15.7 years, well-below the average industry retirement age of 25. In addition, 13 more aircraft will be retired in 2017 and another 13 will be retired in 2018.Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “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, while at the same time defining new levels of service that our customers have come to expect.”