DUBAI- Flag carrier of UAE, Emirates (EK), is in the process of acquiring two more of its leased Airbus A380s before the end of this year.
The current owner of these aircraft, as reported in a London Stock Exchange filing, indicates that Emirates is set to purchase A6-EDP and A6-EDT, adding to its fleet. This move follows a similar acquisition by the airline last year when it purchased one of its leased A380s from the same lessor.
Emirates Purchase Airbus A380
While numerous airlines have struggled to sell unused Airbus A380s, Emirates is actively seeking to acquire these large aircraft, albeit exclusively those it has been operating. This endeavor is part of Emirates’ strategy to gain ownership of its A380 fleet, reported SimpleFlying.
Doric Nimrod Air Two has confirmed that it will be selling two of its seven Airbus A380s to Emirates in the coming months as their leases expire. The first of these aircraft, MSN 77 (A6-EDP), is set to be sold on October 14th, with the second, MSN 90 (A6-EDT), following on December 2nd.
These dates coincide with the 12th anniversary of the aircraft’s delivery to Emirates. The sale price for each aircraft is £28.9 million (equivalent to US$35 million), resulting in a combined total of US$70 million for both aircraft.
Emirates has confirmed the transaction but has refrained from providing further comments. Earlier this year, Emirates purchased a 14-year-old Airbus A380 from Doric Nimrod Air One for £25.3 million ($30.5 million) 12 years after its delivery.
Despite both aircraft being in storage at Dubai World Central Airport for the past three years, Emirates appears to be investing in them. This decision aligns with Emirates President Sir Tim Clark’s stated intentions to continue using the Airbus A380 in the airline’s fleet. This indicates that these aircraft may re-enter service as part of the operational Airbus A380 fleet or as replacements for retiring A380s.
Just A Beginning
The recent acquisition of Airbus A380s may signal that Emirates is considering further purchases of these aircraft from lessors. Doric Nimrod Air Two has indicated that it will retain ownership of five additional Airbus A380s currently leased to Emirates.
These aircraft’s existing leases will conclude between October 1st and November 24th of the following year, allowing Emirates the opportunity to buy them. Emirates has expressed its intention to continue operating Airbus A380s well into the 2040s.
With the delivery of A350s and 777Xs still on the horizon, acquiring additional A380s as their leases expire appears to be a logical choice for the UAE-based airline.
Based on data from ch-aviation, Doric Asset Finance presently holds ownership of 15 of Emirates’ Airbus A380s through investment funds like Doric Nimrod Air Two.
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