DUBAI– Emirates (EK) purchased 29 Airbus A380 superjumbos and five Boeing 777 aircraft during the 2025-26 financial year, strengthening its long-term fleet strategy while recording the highest annual profit in airline industry history.
The Dubai-based carrier, which operates from Dubai International Airport (DXB), confirmed the aircraft acquisitions in its latest annual financial report.
The purchases involved aircraft previously operated under lease agreements, allowing Emirates to transition the jets into full ownership as it continues investing heavily in its widebody fleet and cabin modernization program.
Photo: By Mitchul Hope – Emirates | A6-EOT | Airbus A380-841 | London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129305856
Emirates Buys A380s
Emirates revealed that the 29 Airbus A380s acquired during the fiscal year were already active within its fleet and nearing the end of their leasing contracts.
By purchasing the aircraft outright, the airline can reduce future leasing expenses while maintaining operational control over its flagship double-decker fleet.
The airline did not disclose the exact value of the A380 acquisitions. However, Emirates stated that it invested approximately $4.9 billion during the year across aircraft, infrastructure, technology upgrades, and operational facilities.
Industry estimates suggest each used A380 may have cost the airline roughly $45 million, reflecting the sharply lower market value of the aircraft type since Airbus ended production in 2021.
Emirates remains the world’s largest Airbus A380 operator, with more than 90 aircraft currently in active service. The airline also has additional A380s parked for spare parts support and future operational flexibility.
The carrier has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to flying the aircraft into the next decade, with executives now targeting operations through at least 2040 and potentially beyond.
Photo: Emirates
Record Profit Posted
The aircraft acquisitions came during Emirates’ strongest financial year ever.
The airline posted a record pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion, equivalent to AED 22.8 billion, cementing its position as the world’s most profitable airline for the second consecutive year.
Total group revenue reached approximately $41 billion, driven by strong passenger demand, cargo growth, and continued recovery across international travel markets.
The results were particularly notable because the airline faced significant operational challenges toward the end of the reporting period. Regional instability linked to the Iran crisis forced route diversions, airspace restrictions, and temporary operational adjustments at its Dubai hub.
Despite those disruptions, Emirates restored roughly 96% of its global network by the end of the financial year.
The airline also reported that fuel expenses slightly declined compared to the previous year, supported by long-term hedging strategies.
Photo: Clément Alloing
Fleet Modernization Continues for Emirates
Alongside the A380 purchases, Emirates accelerated its long-term fleet renewal plans. The airline currently operates 19 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, including 15 delivered during the last financial year.
The new A350 fleet already serves more than 20 destinations and forms part of Emirates’ broader modernization strategy, which also includes one of the aviation industry’s largest retrofit programs.
The carrier has completed cabin upgrades on 91 aircraft so far, adding premium economy cabins and refreshed interiors across its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
Emirates also maintains one of the largest aircraft order books globally. The airline currently has more than 360 aircraft on order, including 270 Boeing 777X jets, 54 Airbus A350s, and 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
With the Boeing 777X expected to enter service next year, Emirates continues positioning the Airbus A380 as the backbone of its high-capacity international network strategy.
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