Emirates to take ownership of six leased A380s

Lesha Bank LLC (Public), through an investment structure representing the Lesha Aviation Fund, has agreed to sell six Airbus A380 aircraft to Emirates, the world's largest A380 operator. Two aircraft have already been delivered, while the remaining four are scheduled for delivery in phases by April 2028, as their existing leases expire.

The agreement secures Emirates' long-term ownership of a key part of its widebody fleet, reinforcing the A380's role in its premium long-haul operations and supporting the airline's capacity expansion as it grows its global network from Dubai.

For Lesha Bank, the transaction further strengthens its track record in aviation, highlighting its ability to structure and execute aircraft transactions while delivering value for its clients and investors.

Commenting on the agreement, Jonathan Skirrow, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Lesha Aviation Services, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this sale with Emirates, a long-standing and valued partner. Completing the sale of the two aircraft marks an important milestone, and the phased transfer of the remaining four underscores both the strength of our relationship with the airline and our continued focus on delivering well-structured, value-accretive transactions for our investors.”

The aircraft are part of the portfolio of Amedeo Air Four Plus (AA4+), which Lesha Bank acquired in June 2026 through LAC 10, a newly established wholly owned subsidiary, according to Aviation Week. The AA4+ portfolio also includes two Boeing 777-300ERs and four Airbus A350-900s, all of which are leased on a long-term basis to Emirates or Thai Airways.

According to fleet data, the Dubai-based airline operates a total of 290 aircraft, comprising 116 Airbus A380s, 144 Boeing 777s and 30 Airbus A350s. Of its A380 fleet, 87 are currently in active service, while the remaining 29 are parked.

According to FlightGlobal, the Dubai-based airline continues to acquire aircraft as their leases expire rather than return them, reflecting its strategy to keep the A380 in service for longer than previously anticipated.