Emirates reported that over 10,000 visitors flocked to see the Airbus A380 superjumbo depart from Manchester International Airport for the first time yesterday. The launch of A380 flights to Manchester is the first time the two-decked aircraft has operated a scheduled service to a regional airport. It is also the first time Emirates has brought its First Class cabin to the route.
The A380 touched down in Manchester at 1225, before taking off a few hours later. At the same time this broke Manchester Airport’s record for the largest number of passengers to depart on a scheduled flight.
The A380 will operate a once daily service between Dubai and Manchester, with the other daily flight continuing to be served by a 777 aircraft. A380 flight EK017 leaves Dubai daily at 0755hrs and arrives in Manchester at 1225hrs. EK018 departs Manchester at 1410hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0015hrs the next day.
Emirates, the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, has now taken over Singapore Airlines as the world’s largest operator of the A380, with 12 in its fleet. In total it has 90 on its order book, with 78 still to come.
Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman Emirates Airline & Group, who was born in the North West of England and joined the first Manchester A380 flight said that as a result of the further 32 orders for the A380 it announced at the Berlin Air Show, Emirates has had a flurry of enquiries from airports around the globe.
“People are realising that this is the passenger aircraft of the future. As a result of our announcement in Berlin, we have had enquiries from more than 20 airports across the world, asking whether Emirates would fly the A380 to their airports. These aircraft are a dream to travel in and a dream to have at your disposal for expansion. They are extremely popular with our passengers and where we deploy them, they fill up almost immediately – running at over 90 percent load factor.”
Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Andrew Cornish, said: “The start of daily A380 services from Manchester to Dubai is a moment in history for our airport and the wider region. It’s of such significance that we’re
Emirates’ A380 is widely acclaimed for its First Class Private Suites, Onboard Shower Spas and Onboard Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, where travellers can socialise and enjoy drinks and canapés.
The aircraft has better fuel economy and produces much less cabin noise, meaning passengers can relax in the quietness of the aircraft. Passengers in all classes can also enjoy the award-winning ice in-flight entertainment system during their flight.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR REVIEW...