Emirates’ $20 billion plan for new A380neo superjumbo

The Gulf colossus wants Airbus to build a better version of the superjumbo…

By David Flynn, January 30 2025
Emirates’ $20 billion plan for new A380neo superjumbo
Executive Traveller exclusive

With over a hundred A380 superjumbos in its fleet, Emirates remains a staunch champion of the double-decker plane, which Airbus scrapped in 2021.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark wants Airbus to bring the A380 back to the skies while also taking advantage of the latest technology to give the new jet – which many have dubbed the A380neo – a better chance of success than its predecessor.

“I still have a design in front of Airbus as to how they could build a new one which would be 25% cheaper to run, far more fuel-efficient than this one,” Clark told Executive Traveller during a whistle-stop trip to Melbourne.

“They said, ‘Well if you give us €20 billion, we’ll do it for you!’”

Clark’s riposte was that it was up to Airbus to make that staggering investment, “but if you build them, we’ll buy them.”

To make this second-gen superjumbo lighter and more fuel-efficient, the A380neo would use modern composite materials already seen on the Airbus A350 for the wings and fuselage. Clark noted that composites were not widespread when Airbus first developed the A380 in the 2000s.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has big plans for the big A380.
Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has big plans for the big A380.

“We now know a lot more about the A380 than we did when it was built,” Clark explained.

“The (tail) fin is too large, the wings need to be changed… all of this is in the later generation of aircraft.”

Higher-efficiency engines would be vital in reducing the A380neo’s thirst for fuel and therefore increasing its appeal to airlines.

Aviation veteran Clark is bullish on the prospects of the UltraFan engine being developed by Rolls-Royce. “If it’s ever allowed to get its head above the water level, this is a revolution in power,” Clark said.

“It’s a much bigger fan requiring less fuel to drive it, with enormous thrust capabilities (so) you’ve got to get something like that on the A380.”

Clark’s blueprint for the A380neo would deliver “at least a 20-25% reduction in fuel,” which he believes would tilt the scales back towards the big, four-engined double-decker jet and its massive passenger-carrying capacity.

And there’s no doubt that passengers would welcome the return of the superjumbo, which launched a new era in travel – especially for the premium experience of private first class suites with showers, and a cocktail bar at the rear of the upper deck.

Also read: New Emirates 777X business class suites and “game-changer” economy seat


24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1234

There is no doubt both EK and passengers love the A380.  There is nothing that comes close to it for passenger experience.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Feb 2015

Total posts 393

It’s also very clear that mega hubs still have a requirement for the A380 to meet demand. This is evident with many airlines bringing them back online (even those airlines that didn’t rate them like Qatar). 

We need a NEO A380 for future travel requirements. Plus, is the travelling public prefer them.

QFF

12 Apr 2013

Total posts 1575

I rather like to see B747-8 resurrected.

06 Feb 2021

Total posts 63

Agree totally with reeves35, for comfort and quietness, the A380 has it over the 777 every time. Unless Boeing have miraculously solved the noise problem with the 777X,  passengers who have a choice may well opt for an A380 flight.  Given the 777X is now several years behind schedule, is still not certified, Sir Tim might also be wondering if the airlines need to re-evaluate future options, and start looking for a large plane that uses the latest technology and construction materials. The 777x contains carry over old technology from previous versions, and is based on a design that was commenced 35 years ago.   

Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles

16 Oct 2017

Total posts 161

A380neo will appeal in many aspects other than passenger experience. Airlines will benefit by needing fewer slots for same number of pax, and maybe fewer flight/cabin crew. Cities will benefit by less pressure to expand airports in order to cater for increasing numbers of twin-jets, as original a380's leave service.  Fuel burn will remain the key to justifying purchase price of the neo. Will 4 x RR UltraFan use significantly less than 4x RR Trent XWB (2 Trent per a350 for example).?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Jan 2018

Total posts 130

Yes! Plus large markets like India and China would be perfect for it so that they can increase capacity without increasing slot requirements, etc. with 25% cost to operate reduction, that’s definitely going to be a game changer for them. 

26 Jul 2015

Total posts 82

I'm happy to contribute $100.00 to the project, I just love the A380. Best plane ever.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 782

Hmmm, never bet against Sir Tim Clark, a true airline executive.  

26 Jul 2015

Total posts 82

I'll chip in $100.00 for the project if it'll help. I love the A380, best plane ever I reckon.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Sep 2012

Total posts 40

I couldn't be happier if a 2nd Gen A380 came out..still my favourite aircraft type by a long shot!

QF

11 Jul 2014

Total posts 1028

Sir Tim Clark is certainly a visionary in the aviation world, bold and successful. Maybe that triple decker getting around on facebook with 6 engines could be a go as well.

Joe
Joe

03 May 2013

Total posts 685

Finally someone has come to their senses; the 50 year old 777x won't cut it in today's aviation environment(if and when it hits the skies). The A380 solves the increasing demand and congestion issues around the world. It's a no brainer. Give me an A380 for long and ultra long haul travel over any 777 any day!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2018

Total posts 49

You bet!

I will go out of my way to fly on the A380 over all else.

An A380neo with all the niceties of the A350 would be incredible.

Go for it Sir Tim, go for it!

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

08 Dec 2023

Total posts 4

The A380 is a great plane once you are on it, but the loading and unloading times are painfully long.  Especially if stuck in the back of the bus.   

If its a choice between the A380 and a 777 I'd take the A380 everytime but if there is an option for a 787 or A350 then I'd probably favour the smaller plane.  Even if its just 15 minutes at either end that gives you time for another G&T or it could make a big difference for tight connections. 

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1234

If you are at an airport with the 3 A380 airbridges per plane, I find the A380 fine especially for airlines where the premium classes are both upstairs and downstairs in W and Y only.  This means there are effectively 2 gates for Y pax so boarding and disembarking is a breeze.

Even if boarding takes longer, who wouldn't prefer the wider more comfortable seat of an A380 over the squishy 10 abreast 777 or 9 abreast 787?  10+ hours in Y on a 787 is terrible.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

23 Mar 2015

Total posts 54

I have done and always would choose an A380 flight over anything else. Boeings are noisy and cramped by comparison.

16 Jun 2021

Total posts 3

Just planning our next European adventure and its Emirates all the way. Only reason is the A380. Please please can we have an A380 neo. 

17 Nov 2023

Total posts 57

Having just returned from Europe on 2 of Tim's A380s, I'd like to say "more power to you Tim!"  :)

Am I right in recalling that the A380-800 series was the smaller version of a never-realised 900 series? The 900 series was to have a longer fuselage but used the same engines, wings and tail... Which explains why they're considered over engineered and too big for the 800.

2A
2A

23 Feb 2017

Total posts 18

Absolutely brilliant. How wonderful to have a customer like Sir T. RC

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

27 Feb 2015

Total posts 21

Look out for Global Airlines, a startup that bought 4 a380s at COVID prices from airlines who needed cash. A fleet of second hand superjumbos is going to be fun. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Nov 2018

Total posts 122

I have been a passenger in all classes, on multiple different carriers on the A380. The difference between a 777 and 747 economy to the A380 economy is amazing. Regardless that economy long haul flights are always going to be uncomfortable, the sense of space that you get, especially overhead in the A380, compared to the Boeing, is fantastic.

The A380 is quieter both passengers and for the general public on the ground.

The A380 is also much more stable than the 777. There are a number of routes which I travel, in which this is incredibly noticeable.

The A380 is my aircraft of choice and I will go out of my way, including rearranging travel dates, to fly it rather than a 777.


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Emirates’ $20 billion plan for new A380neo superjumbo