DUBAI, U.A.E., 1st December 2008 - Emirates is bringing its very own brand of double-decker to London with the arrival of its industry leading A380.
From today, EK001, which departs Dubai daily at 0745hrs and arrives in London Heathrow at 1135hrs, is to be served by the giant airliner.
The A380 deployed on the Dubai -Heathrow route is the third of 58 that Emirates ordered, making it by far the largest customer for the super-efficient superjumbo.
Despite its colossal size, the Emirates A380 makes less than half the noise of a 747 jumbo jet and uses 20 per cent less fuel.
Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, said: "We are delighted to bring our customers state-of-the-art comforts which are unmatched anywhere else in the world. Despite today's challenging economic environment, they have responded by booking every seat on our inbound and outbound flights."
Mr Clark added: "Our major onboard innovations, the Onboard Shower Spas and Onboard Lounge, have already proved a big hit with customers. Around 75 per cent of our First Class passengers are using the showers in-flight, while the Onboard Lounge has proved a popular gathering spot for passengers who are able to tear themselves away from our revolutionary in-flight entertainment system. Due to its environmentally-friendly performance, the Emirates A380s will make a huge contribution to Heathrow's efforts to reduce its overall emissions."
Emirates will operate an A380 configured with 489 seats on its Heathrow to Dubai service, a capacity increase of 40 per cent over the Boeing 777 currently being used.
Spread over two levels, the whole of the upper deck is dedicated to Premium Class passengers. Towards the front, First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites. These incorporate remote-controlled doors, a work desk, an electrically controlled mini-bar and the most advanced in-flight entertainment system ice, which is available to all onboard.
The aircraft boasts two Onboard Shower Spas - in the First Class cabin, which include heated flooring, leather seating and shower kits from Emirates' premium spa brand, Timeless Spa.
Business Class passengers can enjoy a new generation of intelligent seating, designed to ensure all 76 seats have aisle access. There's a cleverly designed table that never gets in the way, and a seat that slickly becomes a fully-flat bed.
First and Business Class passengers can also take advantage of the Onboard Lounge, located at the rear of the upper deck. The lounge is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club, and offers seating, and a bar with a wide range of beverages and canapés. Another First Class social area with drinks facilities is located at the front of the upper deck.
Passengers in the 399 Economy Class seats will notice the straight, rather than conventionally concave walls, throughout the cabin, giving the impression of increased spaciousness, enhanced by the more generous seats and wider aisles.
The first two A380s delivered to Emirates were introduced on services between Dubai and New York in August and October. An Emirates A380 will serve Sydney and Auckland in February 2009.
Emirates operates 98 non-stop flights per week from the UK to Dubai - in addition to its daily service to Newcastle, the airline operates five services a day to Heathrow, three daily to Gatwick, two per day to Manchester and Birmingham, and a daily service to Glasgow.
Passengers have even more reasons to Fly Emirates now with the opening of Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai. The world leading facility, dedicated to Emirates passengers, is superbly equipped and travellers can be forgiven for thinking that the swanky new terminal is a destination in itself.
London Heathrow A380 timings:
EK001 departs Dubai daily at 0745hrs, arriving in Heathrow Terminal 3 at 1135hrs. EK 002 departs Heathrow daily at 1345hrs, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 0030hrs the following day.