Dubai: «Gulf»
On Friday, the first fully restored Emirates A380 aircraft, as part of the $2 billion modernization program, took off from Dubai International Airport, heading to Heathrow Airport on flight EK003.
This aircraft is the first of 120 aircraft in the Emirates fleet whose interior cabins will be completely modernized, as the group published a time-lapse video of the modernization work carried out for the A6-EVM.
Tim Clark, President 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 updated in its design and interior equipment, improves 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 was 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 UAE.”
The fully refurbished A380 features the latest Emirates products and interiors across all cabins, including 56 Premium Economy Class seats on the main deck, and bright new colors in the carpets and wall panels. Upstairs, First and Business Class seats are upholstered in cream leather with light wood trim. Emirates’ signature Ghaf tree motif also features prominently in various interior designs, including hand-painted motifs in the shower spa in First Class.
The next Emirates A380 currently undergoing the upgrade is the A6-EUW, which is scheduled 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 This means that one aircraft will be withdrawn from service in the fleet every eight days and transferred to Emirates Engineering facilities.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 slated for retrofit will be back in service. Emirates will then begin work on modernizing 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 renewal program in the history of civil aviation, and works with 48 major partners and suppliers who have also hired hundreds of skilled workers.
Working around the clock, teams of engineers and technicians completely dismantled the A380’s interior, then carefully reassembled it in a precise, planned sequence.
Click here to view the Emirates Airline Modernization Program details.
