Emirates is to deploy its A380 superjumbo aircraft on the Dubai-Gatwick route when it resumes in December.
As previously reported, the carrier is to restart daily flights to London Gatwick on December 10.
It had originally planned to operate the service with a B777 aircraft, but “an upsurge in passenger demand” has led Emirates to upgrade the route to an A380, configured with economy, business and first class.
Flight EK015 will depart Dubai International at 0740, arriving into Gatwick at 1140, with the return leg EK016 leaving the south London airport at 1335, landing back into Dubai at 0040 the following day.
The resumption of flights to Gatwick will restore Emirates’ UK operations to six airports – a six times daily A380 service to Heathrow, double daily A380 flights to Manchester, ten flights per week to Birmingham, a daily service to Glasgow, and four flights per week to Newcastle.
Emirates said that by the end of the year it will offer 84 weekly flights to the UK.
Commenting on the news Richard Jewsbury, bivisional vice president UK, said:
“Upgrading the Gatwick route to our incredible A380 will help us meet ever growing demand for international travel from the British public.
“Whether it’s winter sun trips to Dubai or passengers travelling further afield to reconnect with family and friends, future bookings continue to gather pace.
“London Gatwick Airport has long been a valued partner for Emirates and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard Emirates’ flagship aircraft soon.”
The aircraft upgrade follows news that Emirates will offer daily A380 services to Sydney on December 1.
Emirates and Singapore Airlines vie to be first with A380 Sydney restart
