Emirates' CEO Tim Clark has said that he expects the A380 to continue to fly for the Dubai-based airline until the mid-2030s. The news comes as just 14 more Airbus A380s are left to be delivered.

Those flying onboard Emirates' aircraft currently have the possibility to listen to a podcast produced by the airline's CEO. In it, he took the time to talk about the Airbus A380 and its future within Emirates, among other things. The airline currently has 110 Airbus A380s with 13 still on order. With ANA's last remaining A380 order, that leaves just 14 of the aircraft yet to be delivered.

Largest Airbus A380 fleet

Emirates is by far the largest user of the Airbus A380. The airline's A380s entered into service in 2008. Currently, it flies 110 of the aircraft, however, it also has 13 more on order from the manufacturer before the Airbus A380 is closed down for good, as was announced on Valentine's Day. The problem with the aircraft, according to Tim Clark, was that the Airbus A380 created too many emissions in terms of efficiency.

Emirates' huge Airbus A380 fleet dwarfs the next largest fleet of the type. Singapore Airlines ordered the second largest number of Airbus A380 aircraft at 24 units.

Emirates, Airbus A380, Fly until 2030s
The carrier currently operates just two aircraft types. Photo: Emirates

Aircraft will operate to the mid-2030s

Tim Clark seems fairly confident in the Airbus A380's future with Emirates. In fact, in his onboard entertainment podcast, he told how he expects that in ten years' time (2029-2030), Emirates will still be operating 80-90 of the Airbus A380. Some of the older models will, of course, be retired. However, the airline is set to refurbish the ones they will retain.

This will see the carrier adding a new premium economy cabin, which has been on the cards for some time, among other things.

Other aircraft in the fleet

While Emirates currently only operates two types of aircraft, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, the airline is set to operate a much more diverse fleet come 2030. Emirates is currently set to receive the Boeing 777X in 2020, something which Mr. Clark is not certain will happen.

Emirates, Airbus A380, Fly until 2030s
The A380s which aren't retired will be refurbished at some point. Photo: Emirates

Remaining on the Boeing side of things, Mr. Clark told that "we continue to look at the [Boeing] 787 as well". However, the airline is also diversifying its Airbus fleet of aircraft. The carrier earlier this year placed orders for both the Airbus A330neo as well as the Airbus A350. The announcement of these Airbus orders coincided with the cessation of the A380 program. The 40 A330neos will be delivered from 2021, with the Airbus A350s being delivered from 2024.

Will Emirates be the last Airbus A380 operator, or will others keep the aircraft going longer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!