Emirates: Staying ahead of the times, always

Emirates continually invests in the latest aircraft to offer an exemplary flying experience

Emirates is known to operate one of the youngest fleets in the world as they keep adding the latest aircraft to their existing line-up. Plus, regular upgrades to older planes enable them to feature state-of-the-art technologies and offer passengers a great flight experience. The airline is one of the largest operators of the Airbus A380, with 66 of them in its fleet. According to the latest reports, Emirates is in the process of phasing out older aircraft from its fleet including the older A330, A340, and the older B777. The airlines will have over 320 aircraft by 2018, and 400 aircraft in its fleet by 2020. Here is a look at the current fleet in operation.
Airbus A380
Emirates was the first airline to place an order for this superjumbo twin-deck, super fuel-efficient aircraft and was the second airline after Singapore Airlines to fly it. From private suites to shower spas in First Class to flat bed seats in Business Class and extra leg room in Economy, along with in-flight WiFi throughout the aircraft, a journey on this aircraft is truly comfortable. In May 2010, the airline received its ninth A380 and as of July 2015, 60 are in service. Thanks to the airline's expanding network, the Emirates A380 currently flies on over 35 different routes across the globe. An environmentally advanced aircraft, it flies more passengers and burns less fuel.
Boeing 777-300ER
The airline has more than 100 Boeing 777-300ERs in operation. Known to depart on time, the aircraft has the best fuel and cost efficiency in its class and the highest cargo capacity of any passenger plane, making it a passenger favourite and the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It has become the model of choice especially for long haul flights thanks to its increased capacity. The first 777-300ER entered service around 2004-2005 and has been a tremendous success since then. Its distinguishing features include the largest-diameter turbofan engines of any aircraft, six wheels on each main landing gear, a circular fuselage cross-section, and a blade-shaped tail cone.
Boeing 777-200LR
One of the world's most technologically advanced aircraft, Emirates received its first Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range) in 2007. It made its debut on the Dubai to Sao Paulo route, which was the first direct flight between the Middle East and South America. On February 1, 2016, this aircraft will break records and fly the world's longest non-stop service, from Dubai to Panama City, which will take 17 hours and 35 minutes. It features lie-flat seat in Business Class and suites in First Class. The aircraft has the capacity to carry 266 passengers, with 216 in Economy, 42 in Business Class and eight in First Class.
Airbus A330-200, A340-300 and A340-500
The aircraft is mostly used on short inter-Gulf flights as well as on the Indian subcontinent routes. These are the smallest aircraft in the fleet and were inducted in 1999. Currently, 21 of these are in operation. The aircraft is fitted with both 2 class and 3 class configurations and use RR Trent 772B engines. Emirates also operates A340-300, which is similar to the A330-200s, but with greater range. Emirates also flies the ultra-long range passenger airliner A340-500 that was introduced in 2003.
Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-200 and Emirates SkyCargo
Introduced to the fleet in 1999, there are 12 Boeing 777-300 in operation currently. Whereas, there are eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft in 2 and 3 class configurations, all powered by Rolls Royce engines. The aircraft joined the Emirates fleet in 1996. Further, Emirates SkyCargo operates the Boeing 747-400ERF and 777F freighters.
Photo Courtesy: Dubai Airports