Emirates just took delivery of its final Airbus A380, marking the end to A380 production.
Emirates takes delivery of the last three A380s
Emirates announced that it will receive three additional Airbus A380s by November 20,21. This brings forward the original delivery date of June 2022. This is significant because it's the last three Airbus A380s Emirates has ordered. These are also the last A380s that any airline has on order, marking the end of A380 production (though the last A380 was actually built in September 2020).
The final A380 was built in 2020.
Emirates will receive 122 Airbus A380s. However, the airline has already started retiring A380s. Emirates will still have 118 A380s available for its customers in November.
This marks the end to Emirates A380 deliveries. However, this airline should continue flying these planes for many years. The Emirates president stated in the past that they will continue to fly A380s until the mid-2030s. I would expect that the latest frames could have around 15 years of service (though it is possible that it could last longer or shorter as a lot can happen).
Three A380s will be delivered to Emirates by November
Emirates newest A380s feature premium economy
The best thing about Emirates moving ahead with these A380 deliveries, is that it will substantially increase the size and premium economy of Emirates' fleet.
Emirates received its first A380 with premium economy at the end of 2020. These cabins are available on three A380s, which fly to London and Paris. With three more deliveries, Emirates will have six aircraft with these cabins.
Emirates A380 premium economy cabin
These planes not only have a premium economy cabin but also offer mild refreshes in other cabins.
First class has slightly higher doors, wider seats, and updated cabin finishes.
Emirates refreshed A380 first-class cabin
Similar updates have been made to the finishes in economy and business classes.
Emirates refreshed the A380 business class cabin
Emirates refreshed the A380 economy class cabin
There are currently no plans to reconfigure existing planes with the new cabins. However, I can imagine that this could change with the Boeing 777X being delayed until 2023 at the earliest.
Bottom line
Emirates will receive its final Airbus A380 aircraft in November 2021. This will be the last A380 delivered to an airline. It is sad to see the A380 production end so quickly.
Positively, Emirates's forward delivery of its last three A380s will increase their number of premium economy aircraft in service, which should prove to be good news for passengers.
Can you believe that the final A380 in the world is coming to you? It's happening!
