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Emirates Doesn't Plan on Retiring Its Airbus A380s Anytime Soon

June 04, 2019
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2 min read
Emirates A380 JFK takeoff
Emirates Doesn't Plan on Retiring Its Airbus A380s Anytime Soon
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Production of the Airbus A380 may soon come to an end, but the world’s biggest commercial passenger jet is a long way from retirement.

Airbus plans to end production of the A380 by 2021, with sales never hitting the European jetmaker’s expectations. But Emirates, by far the world’s biggest operator of the jet, expects that its A380s will be flying well into the 2030s.

That’s according to Emirates president Tim Clark, who discussed the jet’s future at the airline during the International Air Transport Association’s annual general meeting in Seoul.

Speaking to the trade publication Air Transport World (ATW), Clark said Emirates would eventually begin to lessen the role of its A380s in favor of smaller widebodies for “ultra-long-haul routes from Dubai that cannot be justified with the 777X or A380.”

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airline Lounge Access

“There are a lot more cities that we can do in the US, India and Africa with a 250-seater,” Clark said to ATW, referring to orders Emirates has for planes like Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus’ A330s and A350s.

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Still, Clark noted the A380s will remain part of Emirates’ fleet for some time to come.

The superjumbos continue to provide “enormous market pull” and that their lucrative first- and business-class cabins are in high demand, he said to ATW.

“We will continue to invest in them and fly them into the mid-2030s,” Clark added.

For those looking to fly on the A380, TPG has a look at the best ways to redeem miles for A380 flights.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.