Emirates completes A380 fleet with 123rd delivery of iconic aircraft

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• Largest customer of the world’s largest commercial jet marks 21-year commitment to the A380 program

• Top international airline signals optimism for industry recovery

Dubai, UAE, December, 2021 – Emirates today received delivery of its 123rd Airbus A380 superjumbo jet. The aircraft, registered as A6-EVS, is also the final new A380 aircraft to join Emirates’ fleet, marking another milestone in the airline’s steadfast 21-year commitment to the program.

Watch a video of Emirates' 123rd Airbus A380 as it readies for departure to its home in Dubai.

Receiving delivery of a brand new aircraft amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, Emirates is once again signaling its optimism for industry recovery and the return of travel demand.

Emirates was the first airline to announce an order for the A380 at the 2000 Farnborough Air Show when the aircraft was still marketed as the A3XX. This was followed with a firm commitment and additional order for 15 more units at the 2001 Dubai Air Show, a bold statement just 6 weeks after the events of 9/11 challenged the industry like never before.

Emirates’ commitment was crucial to the launch of the program that brought together leading European aerospace players and its global supply chain to develop and bring to market the world’s largest commercial aircraft with a full double deck and generous cabin interior space.

Since it first took to the sky, the A380 has continued to capture imaginations, generate excitement wherever it operates, and attract traveler preference for its quiet, spacious and comfortable interiors.

"The A380 is a truly special aircraft in so many ways. For Emirates, it gave us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience, efficiently serve demand at slot-constrained airports, and bolster our network growth. The A380 will remain Emirates’ flagship product for the coming years, and a vital pillar of our network plans,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

"The aircraft we are receiving today features our latest cabin products including Premium Economy. Compare it to our very first A380 delivered back in 2008 and you’ll see the myriad of enhancements and upgrades invested in ensuring that the Emirates A380 experience is unparalleled. We’d like to thank Airbus and all of our program partners for enabling us to push the envelope to introduce many innovative ‘industry firsts’, and importantly, deliver the best product for Emirates’ customers."

"The A380 has touched the lives of so many passengers by setting new standards in terms of flying and travel experience. I'm confident that it will continue to do so for decades to come with Emirates, which has continuously introduced new services and products allowing passengers around the world to experience the unique features of their A380s,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. "On behalf of all Airbus teams, I would like to use this delivery milestone to warmly thank Emirates Airline - the biggest A380 operator in the world - for their unwavering trust and partnership. Here's to many more happy landings!"

The latest Emirates A380 to be delivered features the airline’s latest signature products onboard including First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas, the highly popular A380 Onboard Bar, its new Premium Economy cabin, and the latest inflight entertainment systems offering the best-in-sky personal screens and unmatched choice of content.

At the 2021 Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates also announced a major retrofit program which will see 52 of its existing A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy cabins and other enhancements, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to ensuring its A380 experience remains best-in-sky.

Explore the best of Dubai with Emirates and enjoy a complimentary hotel stay - Fly safe and stress-free with Emirates to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Passengers traveling to Dubai via Emirates can now enjoy special fares, free additional 10kg baggage allowance, and up to three complimentary nights at the 5-star JW Marriott Marquis Dubai from March 15 to June 30, 2021*. With flexible booking options and free multi-risk travel insurance with COVID-19 cover, Emirates continues to offer stellar and safe travel experiences to Dubai.

Travelers who book return Economy Class tickets to Dubai from March 8 to 28, 2021 for travel between March 15 and June 30, 2021 are eligible for a complimentary two-night stay at the JW Marriot Marquis; while Business Class passengers who book flights during the same period can enjoy three complimentary nights’ stay from the day of arrival. As one of the world’s tallest 5-star hotels, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai features award-winning dining options, its own shopping galleria, and a world-renowned spa; and is conveniently located near attractions like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Opera. For more information on this offer, please visit this link.

Promotional return fares to Dubai start from USD 450 in Economy Class and USD 899 in Business Class.

Passengers can also leave the problem of packing behind as Emirates has added an additional 10kg free baggage allowance when traveling back to the Philippines from Dubai, leaving even more room for shopping.

Emirates has safely and gradually restarted operations across its network. Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season. The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world's first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai's comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Flexibility and assurance

Emirates' booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before September 30, 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. More information here. 

Travel with confidence

All Emirates customers can travel with confidence and peace of mind with the airline industry’s first, multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover. This cover is offered by Emirates on all tickets purchased on or from December 1, 2020, at no cost to customers. In addition to COVID-19 medical cover, the airline also provides provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories, similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products. Some limitations and exclusions apply. Policy details and more information here.

Health and safety

Customers can look forward to a safe and stress-free travel experience as Emirates has prioritized customer health and safety with a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety.

PCR Testing

Tests should be taken not more 96 hours before the flight. Customers are encouraged to check the latest government travel restrictions in their country of origin and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination.

For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai.

My Emirates Pass

The exclusive offer that turns the Emirates boarding pass into a membership card is also back and has been extended this year giving customers even more chances to explore UAE for less. Emirates’ customers flying to and through Dubai from now to September 30, 2021 can take advantage of the exclusive offers by simply presenting their Emirates boarding pass and a valid form of identification at any of the participating outlets. The offer includes discounts in over 300 restaurants across the country and in over 35 spas in world-class hotels. It also unlocks offers at many tourist attractions including Atlantis Aquaventure and At the Top Burj Khalifa. The full list of participating outlets can be found here: emirates.com/myemiratespass.**

*Blackout dates apply

**Local terms and conditions apply

For more information, including how to book flights and a complete list of terms and conditions, customers are advised to contact their travel agent or visit emirates.com.

Ring in the New Year in Dubai

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Dubai has implemented safety measures at every touch point since its successful reopening in July, to ensure the health and safety of citizens, residents, and tourists. Escape to exquisite experiences and create new memories in Dubai and celebrate the New Year with a big bang from a range of dining experiences, special shopping offers, music and entertainment. The city truly has something for everyone.

Dining Experiences: 

Indulge in a culinary journey and travel across the globe through the gastronomic culture in Dubai. Enjoy authentic Thai flavors at Pai Thai in Jumeirah Al Qasr, one of the most beautiful floating restaurants in Dubai. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the City's skyline as you feast on Mediterranean staples at the rooftop restaurant Paros at Jumeirah Lake towers. If you fancy modern American cuisine, then Chicago Meatpackers at The Pointe in Palm Jumeirah is the place to be.

For a taste of traditional Lebanese cuisine, complete with performances from a live Arabic band, head on over to Al Nafoorah at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. For a scenic view of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, head on over to Hillside Brasserie or The Duck Hook, both at Dubai Hills Golf Club, and satisfy the meat lover in you with a great selection of meat dishes on New Year's Eve.

Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene are mandatory in public. While dining, masks can be removed and children below the age of six who struggle wearing a mask are exempted.

Shopping in Dubai: 

If shopping is on the agenda, Dubai is the city for you. The Dubai Shopping Festival commenced on December 17, 2020 and will run until January 20, 2021, offering concerts, cash prizes, and great retail deals across all malls such as The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. If bargaining is more your forte, head to the souks and discover an array of gems at the Textile, Gold and Spice souk. Additionally, Global Village, which is part theme park and market has over 20 pavilions, offering traditional handicrafts from across the globe.

Music and Entertainment:

Do you want to sing your heart out or do you prefer dancing all night long? There are plenty of places to jam the night away! Atlantis, The Palm brings the legendary rock band KISS to perform live in Dubai. Enjoy a high-octane DJ set at Dubai Opera, or if you like being by the water, visit a laidback setting at QD’s at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, overlooking the Dubai Creek water and city skyline or the Barasti Lockdown Breakout.

Gearing up for the New Year won’t be complete without a spectacular firework display in Dubai. Expect a colorful and cheerful display from the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the Palm fireworks. For a great vantage point to the pyrotechnics, pitch camp at Kite Beach or visit Souk Al Bahar and the Dubai Mall, to name a few, or tune in to a livestream of the Burj Khalifa celebration.

How to get there: 

Emirates operates 18 weekly flights to Dubai from 3 points in the Philippines including Manila, Cebu, and Clark, connecting Filipino travelers to Emirates' global hub and to the rest of the world. Passengers across all classes can enjoy the airline's world-renowned on-board offers and service, including its regionally inspired dishes and award-winning in-fight entertainment.

Emirates is the first airline to provide passengers multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover. This cover is offered by Emirates on all tickets purchased on or from 1 December 2020, at no cost to customers. In addition to COVID-19 medical cover, this latest offer from Emirates also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories, similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products. For more details on the policy visit here.

 

Filipino Design Thinking: Why the Philippines Pavilion is the Story of the Filipino

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Bangkota, the Philippines Pavilion at the 2020 Expo in Dubai is more than just an architectural masterpiece showcasing the Philippines. Woven within its undulating and free-flowing form is the 4,000-year journey and history of the Filipino people. 

Designed by visionary architect Royal Pineda, the “Bangkóta is a living coral reef, pulsating with people, movement, activities, flora and water features, all functioning as one global ecosystem.” Measuring a total outdoor area of 1,268 square meters and 385 square meters of winding path, with a total landscaped area of 676 meters that includes water features, the Bangkota is surrounded by a see-through and free-form wire mesh that exoskeleton that shelters visitors from morning and afternoon sun. 

Tapping into his own design philosophy of ‘Nature is Peace’, Royal took inspiration from the fact that coral reefs spread and thrive across the oceans, just as how Filipinos thrive across the world. This makes the Bangkota a transcendent architectural masterwork as it is as much about Filipinos as it is about the Philippines. 

The Philippines Pavilion is both an indoor and outdoor experience, with the undulating external structure acts as a protective, fertile habitat to the hidden treasures within. It thus becomes a venue to appreciate nature and its light and shadows, depth and expanse, widths and heights, breeze and humidity, warm and comfort, and the feel of raw and refined. 

At its core, the Philippines Pavilion is a monument to the creativity and compassion of the Filipino, as well as their unique bayanihan spirit. Further, Architect Pineda sees the Bangkota as an exploration of the Filipinos’ history that spans well before 1521, when Spanish colonizers first arrived in the Philippines, with famed curator Marian Roces responsible for piecing together the Filipinos’ millennia-long story, to ensure that the exhibits within the pavilion are based on solid historical and cultural facts. 

Inside, visitors play an active role in creating the narrative sequence by being given freedom to roam the pavilion’s spaces and exhibits. The interior spaces are designed to elicit both thought and action, offering varying levels of immersive experiences through art and film installations. Each visitor thus becomes part of the story, where digital interactive art forms cinematically surround the viewer. 

In the same vein, the Bangkota is a celebration of the Filipino creativity. This is the reason why an entire network of collaborators such as National Artist for Music Ramon Santos, visual maverick Avid Liongoren, and 11 of the Philippines’ prominent artists have been called upon to contribute their own interpretation of the Bangkota’s overarching theme of permeability, connectivity, and sustainability. With artists, designers, and creators lending their skills and talents, the Bangkota is truly a product of the bayanihan spirit and a genuine example of design thinking that Filipinos can call their own. 

The Bangkota will open in Dubai on October 20, 2020.

World’s largest passenger plane Emirates Airbus A380 touched down at NAIA

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PH President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the arrival of the Emirates Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet this Tuesday night on a one-off commercial flight by to mark its move to the newly rehabilitated Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Emirates make that flight from the Dubai International Airport with the A380 only once and the plane fly back to Dubai shortly after at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

“The main objective of the A380 one-off trip to Manila is to mark the move of the Emirates Airline to the Terminal 3 and show its commitment to the Philippines since 1990,” Emirates said in a statement.

Dubai-based air carrier Airbus A380 touched down at the Terminal 3 NAIA landed by the the first Filipino Super Jumbo Jet Captain, Capt. Franklyn Desiderio.

Capt. Franklyn Desiderio, The 1st Filipino A380 Captain (Photo: PPSG (Phlippine Plane Spotters Group)

(Photo: PPSG (Phlippine Plane Spotters Group)

In August this year, Emirates transferred its operations to the NAIA Terminal 3 from its previous home at the congested NAIA Terminal 1

Other international carriers such as Delta Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific also moved to Terminal 3 when it went into full operation.

The completion of the NAIA 3 rehabilitation had been delayed for a decade by legal issues.

Aquino waiting to welcome passengers of Emirates A380, world’s biggest aircraft, from Dubai. 

(Photo via Zen Hernandez of ANC )

No international airline uses the A380, by far the largest passenger plane, onflights to and from Manila.

With two full-length decks measuring a total of 6,000 square feet, the A380 is 50 percent bigger than the Boeing 747 and is widely considered a the solution to the common problems of rising number of plane passengers and congested.

Dubai is building 'Mall of the World'

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Dubai, the glitzy emirate known for its love of grandiose projects said it is now planning to build the biggest mall on the planet, the Mall of the World!

The world's first temperature-controlled city, Mall of the World, located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, occupying 48 million square feet, complete with theme park, theatres, five miles of covered streets and 100 hotels. It will also contain health resorts, a Celebration Steet modelled on the Ramblas boulevard in Barcelona and 'retail streets network' that will stretch over four-and-a-half miles. In fact, the ambitious emirate has dubbed the project a 'temperature-controlled pedestrian city'.

The shopping mall itself will occupy eight million square feet, housed below a glass dome, with other attractions extending beyond the central shopping area.The grand project is part of Dubai's bid to become a year-round tourism destination, despite soaring temperatures in summer that can reach nearly 50C. 

The new mall, which will be a city-within-a-city, will be the emirate's chance to attract visitors even in the height of the summer, by providing a completely climate-controlled experience. The plan is to create a cultural area, with theatres hosting shows at West End and Broadway levels, as well as a network of streets that will be entirely climate controlled. The eight million square foot shopping centre will be housed under a dome, while the streets will also be covered so that tourists can shop without getting too hot in the relentless heat of the summer months.

In the cooler winter months, the dome will open, allowing people to shop in the fresh air, closing as the summer heats up.

It will also be a short drive to the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,717ft.

Sheikh Mohammad stated: 'Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism - tourism is key driver of our economy and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all-year long."

'This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months.'

Dubai Holding, the developer owned by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said that the project "will comprise the largest indoor theme park in the world" under a glass dome that would be opened during winter.

The seven-kilometre (4.35 mile)-long promenades connecting the facilities would also be covered and air-conditioned during summer, it added.

Dubai hopes the "Mall of the World" can attract more than 180 million visitors each year.

United Arab Emirates is known for its numerous malls and many hotels, including the Dubai Mall, touted as the world's largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination. It is also home to the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa.

Dubai has established itself as a global hub for air transport and transit trade, as well as a regional financial centre.

And it beat off opposition from Brazil, Russia and Turkey in November to win the right to host the World Expo trade fair in 2020.

The emirate's economy was hit in 2009 by the global financial crisis, but it has since made a strong comeback, thanks to growth in the trade, transport and tourism sectors.

The Philippines' SM Mall of Asia has 407,000 square meters of total floor area, while SM MegaMall has over 500,000 square meters of total floor area.

SM Prime, the country's largest mall operator, expects to have a network of 50 malls in the Philippines with a gross floor area of 6.6 million square meters by the end of 2014.

 - With Agence France-Presse