Tim Clark at the Aviation Club

Emirates expects to roll out a new Premium Economy product within the next year to 18 months, the airline’s president, Sir Tim Clark, said at the Aviation Club Christmas lunch last week.

He indicated that the Far Eastern routes would see the seat first. No indication was made as to whether it would be an improved Economy Class, or Business Class product without the flat-bed seats. “We are evaluating”, he said, noting it would be a “quite a big upheaval” to adapt the 250 aircraft that Emirates already operates, as well as those scheduled for delivery.

After the lunch, Sir Tim confirmed that date for delivery of the first of 50 Rolls-Royce Trent 900-powered Airbus A380s, due to be handed over about now, has been set for 16 December. “There were some issues with performance,” he said. “But we have come to a satisfactory conclusion.”

The other major news of the session was not news at all. Sir Tim was unable to offer a date when the new Al Maktoum International Airport would be fully operational.

The next Aviation Club speaker on 9 February is Rob Gurney, chief executive of oneworld and formerly of Emirates.

www.emirates.com

www.aviationclub.org.uk

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