Photo: Freek Blokzijl / Jet Photos
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Emirates is preparing to deepen its technical oversight of the Airbus A380 as the airline inks a new memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce to begin in-house maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Trent 900 engines starting in 2027. The move marks a strategic step for the world’s largest A380 operator as it works to extend the lifecycle of its double-deck fleet well beyond the next decade.
The agreement comes as Emirates continues refurbishing its A380s after Airbus ended production of the aircraft in 2021. Alongside the new MRO capability, the carrier has extended its long-term TotalCare service programme with Rolls-Royce, pushing the partnership for the A380’s engine support into the 2040s.
This latest announcement follows Emirates’ agreement earlier in the week to establish a Dubai-based seat assembly line with French manufacturer Safran, reinforcing the airline’s broader strategy to localise more aviation capability within the UAE.
Emirates and Rolls-Royce have previously clashed over engine performance issues relating to the A350-1000, a type the carrier is yet to induct, though the airline has publicly praised the smaller A350-900, deliveries of which began last year.
Emirates has invested heavily in its A380 fleet to ensure a premium travel experience for decades
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