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Emirates sets date for A380 London debut
Emirates is to use an Airbus A380 mega jumbo on flights from Dubai to London before Christmas.
The airline is to use the double-deck aircraft to Heathrow from December 1, two months after it introduces the A380 on the Dubai-New York route.
Emirates, which has 58 of the giant aircraft on order, will deploy A380s Sydney and Auckland routes from February 1, 2009.
The aircraft on these routes will have 489 seats – 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy.
Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium-range three-class 517-seater; and a medium-range two-class aircraft with 604 seats.
Emirates will take delivery of five of the aircraft this year in a gradual build-up towards becoming the world’s largest operator of the super-jumbo.
Singapore Airlines is due to be the first airline to operate the A380 into Heathrow from this month (March).
The UAE airline’s president Tim Clark said: “Our A380s will take to the skies in late summer, signalling an end to our long wait and ushering in a new era for Emirates.
“We have played an integral role during the design and development stage to tow the aircraft from the drawing board to the production line, and we look forward to bringing them into commercial service.
“While we are still debating our first commercial A380 route, it has always been our intention to fly the aircraft on capacity-constrained trunk routes. The cities that we have now scheduled for A380 services, starting this autumn, bring our plans to fruition.”
He added: “Our customers can rightly anticipate an exhilarating experience on the state-of-the-art aircraft, which will be especially appointed and equipped to Emirates’ exacting standards. We will unveil our exciting inflight features and facilities shortly.â€
by Phil Davies
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