REVEALED: Emirates to DOWNSIZE? Airline considering bringing in smaller aircrafts
EMIRATES airline bosses are considering downsizing their superjumbo jet-only fleet to bring in a smaller aircraft.
Dubai-based Emirates airline president Tim Clark announced the company is looking into buying smaller single-aisle planes.
These smaller aircrafts will have tighter cabin space and fewer amenities than the current opulent jets which feature showers and walk-up bar.
Mr Clark told CNN over the next 18 months the carrier will decide whether they will be adding smaller aircrafts such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 to their fleet or whether they will continue to purchase only twin-aisle jets.
This might come as a surprise to frequent flyers as Emirates is known for its decadent double-decked aircraft - usually an Airbus A380 or Boeing 777 superjumbo jets - which can seat up to 615 passengers.
The last time Emirates operated a single aisle plane in its fleet was more than 20 years ago
It has become the largest operator of both these jumbo aircrafts and downsizing could be a radical move with cut-throat consequences.
The last time Emirates operated a single aisle plane in its fleet was more than 20 years ago.
The airline claims the massive aircrafts are not right for every route.
According to Mr Clark, Emirates is planning to move to from Dubai International airport to Dubai World Central in the next few years.
Dubai World Central has a larger number of runways and gates, which would mean the airline could serve smaller cities.
“The last three or four years as the oil prices come off, we have reduced our fares to a point of… stupidity in my view,” Mr Clark told nbc-2.com.
“That has affect our bottom line. We have a difficult time in global economics.
“We have a difficult time in global geopolitics and there is a degree of volatility out there.”
Jennifer Aniston in brilliant Emirates advert
He added: “When the time is right we will decide.
“But so far we are just biding our time to see which way it all pans out.”
The story comes after Air Canada unveiled its new vintage look alongside new routes from London Gatwick - all to celebrate its 150th birthday.
This years marks this North American country's 150th anniversary of Confederation - meaning when the county was first formed.