Dubai: «Gulf»
On Friday, the first fully restored Emirates A380 aircraft, as part of the US$2 billion modernization programme, took off from Dubai International Airport, bound for Heathrow Airport on flight EK003.
This aircraft is the first of 120 aircraft in the Emirates fleet to have its interior cabins fully upgraded, as the group has released a time-lapse video of the upgrade work being carried out on the A6-EVM.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “Our customers will notice the difference the moment they step on board. The A380 will look even more impressive. This aircraft, which has been upgraded in interior design and equipment, enhances the travel experience in all classes and also enables us to provide more premium economy seats to meet customer demand. I am particularly proud that all modernization work has been designed and carried out in-house at our engineering facilities in Dubai, to the highest standards of quality and safety, reflecting the world-class capabilities and aviation infrastructure of Emirates Airlines and here in the United Arab Emirates. “
The completely refurbished A380 features the latest Emirates products and interiors in all cabins, including 56 Premium Economy Class seats on the main deck, and new vibrant colors in the carpets and wall panels. Upstairs, First and Business Class seats are upholstered in cream leather with light wood trim. Emirates’ distinctive Ghaf tree motif is also a prominent feature in various interior designs, including the hand-painted motifs in the hydromassage shower in First Class.
Emirates’ next A380 currently undergoing an upgrade is the A6-EUW, which is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
As the program progresses, engineers will work on two aircraft simultaneously. This means that one aircraft will be withdrawn from service in the fleet every eight days and transferred to Emirates Engineering facilities. By 2024, all 67 A380s scheduled for retrofitting will be back in service. Emirates will then begin work on the modernization of the 53 Boeing 777 aircraft included in the programme, which is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
Emirates has hired 190 new employees to implement this programme, which is the largest known aircraft refurbishment program in civil aviation history, and works with 48 key partners and suppliers who have also hired hundreds of skilled workers.
Working around the clock, teams of engineers and technicians completely disassembled the interior of the A380, then carefully reassembled it in a precise and planned sequence.
Click here to view details of the Emirates Airline Modernization Programme.
