Emirates today celebrates the milestone delivery of its 100th Airbus A380 aircraft at a special ceremony with Airbus at the manufacturer’s delivery centre in Hamburg.

Emirates chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum officiated the ceremony.

He was joined at the event by Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline; Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive; Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, director - customer and services; Ali Al Ahmed, UAE ambassador to Germany and Frank Horch, senator for economy, transport and innovation in Hamburg.

Ahmed said: “This is a tremendous moment for Emirates, for Airbus and for our many partners involved in the A380 programme.

“There is no doubt that the A380 has had a big positive impact on aerospace manufacturing and the broader aviation industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and stimulating innovation and new product development in many related areas such as ground handling, catering, airport facilities and cabin products, to name a few.

“Importantly, the A380 also brought the flying experience for our customers to the next level.

“The aircraft itself is a showpiece of engineering. It is the world’s largest commercial passenger jet but it is quiet and efficient and at Emirates we’ve utilised the on-board real estate to redefine the thinking around inflight products and experience.

“Our flight crew love to fly it and our customers love to fly in it.

Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, Emirates’ 100th A380 is configured in three cabin classes, with 14 private suites in first class, 76 seats in business and 426 seats in economy. 

It also features the airline’s newly revamped on-board lounge.

It will be on display at the upcoming Dubai Air Show and will enter service afterwards.