EMIRATES has deployed an Airbus A380 on one of its twice-daily Manchester to Dubai services, making the northwest airport the first regional destination in the world to welcome the Super Jumbo on a scheduled service.
Its inaugural flight from the airport on the first of September was expected to carry the full complement of 517 passengers across three classes, setting a record for the most passengers
to depart from Manchester on a scheduled service.
The launch comes in the 20th year of Emirates operations from Manchester.
Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman of the Emirates airline and group, says, “The A380 is proving to be a big hit with our customers and advance bookings are 20 per cent up from the same period last year. Our service from the North West has been an incredible success story so far.“
The airport has invested around £10million in upgrading its infra-structure and facilities in order to serve the A380. Its managing director, Andrew Cornish, says “The start of daily A380 services from Manchester to Dubai is a moment in history for our airport and the wider region.“
Airbus' Mark Barclay refers to
the A380 as an 'innovative and industry-changing aircraft', but also points to the economic gains it delivers to the local area, with the manufacturer having spent more than £2million with suppliers in the greater Manchester area alone since the start of the year.
Return fares from Manchester to Dubai on the A380 start from £539 in economy, £2,309 in business and £3,087 in first class, where private suites, a lounge and showers are among Emirates' additions to its A380 product. The carrier opened its own Emirate lounge at the airport last October.
