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Dubai: Airbus A380 to remain a key part of Emirates fleet

A380s produced 80 per cent of profits for the airline, says President of Emirates, Tim Clark

Published: Tue 29 Mar 2022, 7:39 PM

Updated: Tue 29 Mar 2022, 7:50 PM

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The Airbus A380 is set to remain a key part of the Emirates fleet for years to satisfy consumers at airports around the world and ensure the jumbo liner remains a viable option, said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, on the opening day the World Government Summit (WGS2022), at Expo 2020 Dubai.

A group of experts and high level speakers spoke at a session on Tuesday, including Salvatore Sciacchitano, president, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) and The Hon. Sen Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, Nigeria.

“Before the pandemic, the A380s have produced about 80 per cent of our profits. The consumer demand is huge and we’re going to use innovation while setting them to make more special results. The future of the A380s was set against the global and investment community challenges to expand airport capacity and slot availability and enhance the aviation sector," said Clark.

Experts and high level speakers discuss during a session on the opening day the World Government Summit (WGS2022), at Expo 2020 Dubai. Supplied photo

Experts and high level speakers discuss during a session on the opening day the World Government Summit (WGS2022), at Expo 2020 Dubai. Supplied photo

First option for transportation

Senator Hadi Sirika, discussed the challenges of aviation expansion and the government's commitment to launch a national carrier in the country. He stated that for a country of Nigeria’s size and pivotal location in West and Central Africa, it will be the first option for transportation, especially compared to the infrastructure costs associated with the construction and maintenance of modern highways.

“Since 2015, we have been committed to a road map to establish a national carrier, to position the airports, to set up a leasing company and establish cargo facilities,” he said. “We’re looking now for the Gulf’s carriers to expand operations to Nigeria and enhance the collaboration between countries.”

de Oliveira agreed that in general, Africa is 15% of the global population and 2% of global aviation passengers, so the opportunity is huge to invest and use in the whole continent including Nigeria. “We need to find a way that we can break the challenges of flying inside and outside of Africa to bring more opportunities to passengers to fly”, Luis added.

Sciacchitano concluded by reiterating that in a world of challenges from the pandemic which helped accelerate a new era of cooperation between all industry companies and other global security challenges, the development of aviation is essential as it is one of the safest industries in the world.



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