Dubai-New York could be Emirates’ first A380 route

Emirates will operate the A380 on its daily non-stop route to New York from October 1. The Dubai-based airline has confirmed that it will receive its first superjumbo in August, and bookings have already opened for the Dubai-JFK route. The 490-seater three-class A380 will operate flight EK201, departing from Dubai at 0830 and arriving in New York the same day at 1415. The return flight will be EK202, departing JFK at 2300 to arrive in Dubai the following evening at 1945. Flight time is 13 hours 45 mins westbound, 12 hours 45 mins eastbound. Emirates has very attractive first and business class rates for this route. Flights will cost the same irrespective of whether passengers take the A380 or the carrier’s alternative B777 services to New York. Indeed the cost of a premium ticket between Dubai and New York is 50 per cent less than a similar flight on the much shorter London-New York sector. According to emirates.com, return fares in first class are Dhs 24,590 (£3,419) with business class priced at Dhs 15,570 (£2,165). Economy class is Dhms4,640 (£645). However, passengers looking to book Emirates’ very first A380 flight will need to keep updated. According to a report in the Gulf News, Emirates could not confirm whether the New York service would be the maiden flight. It could be that Emirates will decide to “run in” its first A380s using selected flights closer to home to eliminate any teething problems. (That is why SIA decided to employ its first A380 on the shorter Singapore-Sydney sector rather than the longer stretch to London). Emirates is also keeping its A380 seating under wraps, although premium passengers can expect to experience “suites” in first class with proper flat-beds in business class. There are rumours that Emirates will be installing showers in first class but this would mean loading an extra tonne of water, which would push up “fuel burn” and operating costs. On the other hand, anything is possible for one of the world’s most successful airlines. Emirates has over 50 A380s on order for delivery in the coming years. As more A380s enter the fleet (Emirates will need at least two A380s for the New York run), it’s likely they will appear on the London Heathrow and Sydney routes. For more information go to emirates.com