Emirates could put A380 fleet back in the air sooner than expected Business

Demand for Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul carrier, has all but dried up on its major routes. The Dubai-based airline is the A380’s biggest customer, and its size makes it particularly unviable. The cost of storing and maintaining the fleet contributed to a loss of $ 3.8 billion in the six months of September.

“What we have to face and continue to face is the cost of carrying the A380 fleet, which is very dear to us,” said Mr. Clark.

The carrier said earlier this month it had used some of the idle superjumbos for cargo, while a handful of others were stealing passengers, but most of the 115-person fleet remains grounded.

Mr Clark previously said vaccine development would be the key to returning the A380 to widespread use. Emirates will receive three of the jumbos by the end of the year, at least one of which will have a premium economy cabin, the executive said. This will leave five more to deliver later.

The introduction of vaccines will still require airlines and governments to set rules for whether proof of an inoculation will be required to fly, and Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said his airline in would make a “necessity”.

It is still “early” to take a position on this, said Mr. Clark. “It is likely that the countries themselves will decide on the requirements.”