Emirates reveals 2016 fleet retirement schedule

Emirates has announced its fleet plans for 2016.

In total, the airline will retire 26 aircraft, including 12 A330-300s, four A340-300s, one A340-500, six Boeing 777-200ERs, two Boeing 777-300s and one Boeing 777-300ER. The average age of the Emirates aircraft slated for retirement in 2016 will be 15.7 years. In addition, 13 more aircraft will be retired in 2017 and another 13 will be retired in 2018.

The airline balancing its aircraft retirement programme will take delivery of 36 new aircraft in 2016, including 20 A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs. The aircraft retirements and new deliveries will put the airline’s average fleet age at 5.6 years. A recent analysis shows the average fleet age for the top five airlines in North America is 13.6 years, while average fleet age for top five airlines in Europe is 10.7 years.

Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “We have a responsibility to our customers, the communities we serve, and the planet. We are fully committed to flying a modern fleet that is better for environment. With the retirement of older aircraft and introduction of new, more fuel efficient aircraft in 2016, Emirates will continue to lead in reducing age of our fleet.”

Currently, total number of aircraft in the Emirates fleet stands at 244. In 2015, the airline received 26 new aircraft, including 15 A380s, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs and one Boeing 777 Freighter. The airline has 262 additional aircraft on order, worth over US$120 billion at list prices. Its order book includes 71 Airbus A380s, 42 Boeing 777-300ERs, 115 Boeing 777-9Xs and 35 Boeing 777-8Xs.

When delivered beginning in 2020, the new Boeing 777Xs will come with a variety of fuel efficient design additions making it almost 20% more fuel efficient. It will also include a range of passenger-focused amenities including larger windows, increased cabin pressure, more humidity, higher ceilings and a wider cabin.