An Emirates’ A380 has become the 6000th Airbus aircraft to roll off the production line in Hamburg, as the airline continues to weather the financial storm and thrust ahead with its ambitious expansion plans.

More than 200 VIP guests including football stars, politicians and representatives from the aviation industry, attended a ceremony at Airbus’s delivery centre in Hamburg to celebrate the manufacturing milestone and the handing over of Emirates’ eighth double-decker.

Adel Al Redha, Executive Vice President, Emirates’ Engineering and Operations, said: “The A380 represents the future of air travel and our strength and determination to drive forward, alongside Airbus, to meet our ambitious expansion plans and traffic demand. All who have flown the A380 will realise that this is a very special aircraft, embracing the latest in passenger comfort, technology and environmental credentials. We now have 55 Airbus aircraft in our current fleet and a further 121 on order, worth more than e25 billion.”

During the event, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a full tour of the new A380, with its On Board Shower Spas, First Class Private Suites, fully stocked On Board Lounge and the highly popular ice entertainment system.

Emirates was the first carrier to order the A380 and has ordered more than any other airline – representing 30 per cent of the total superjumbo orders. Eight have now been handed over with a further 50 to come.

The Emirates’ double-decker serves Toronto, London Heathrow, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland , and Jeddah.

The international airline of the UAE, which announced half-year profits of e144million (US$ 205million), has so far announced four new routes for 2010. They are Tokyo (28th March), Amsterdam (1st May), Prague (1st July) and Madrid (1st August).