Emirates A380 has returned to Birmingham Airport, touching down in the West Midlands for the first time since March 2020.
The airline said that the added service provides “much-needed capacity to offer customers more options from Birmingham to Dubai and beyond.”
Flight EK039 touched down in Birmingham on Saturday at 12:25 BST local time, with the double-decker receiving a warm welcome from locals as it taxied to the stand.
The aircraft featured Emirates’ brand new distinctive livery with modern updates to the tailfin and wingtips.
Both the Emirates check-in counter and gate at Birmingham Airport were also decked out with celebratory decorations including welcome back signs.
The return flight EK040 departs for Dubai at 14:20 BST and is scheduled to arrive at 00:25hrs GTS local time.
With the capability to fly distances of up to 15,000 kilometres between take-off and landing, the A380 is one of the longest-range aircraft in the world.
Carrying up to 615 passengers at full capacity, the A380’s wingspan is 79.8 metres, almost 30 metres longer than the University of Birmingham’s Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The Birmingham resumption comes shortly after the A380 daily service returned to Glasgow on 26th March 2023.
Emirates is the largest operator of Airbus A380, with more than 80 aircraft currently in active service. The airline first launched A380 operations to Birmingham in 2016.
Richard Jewsbury, Emirates Divisional Vice President in the UK, commented: “We’re excited to be bringing back our iconic A380 aircraft back to Birmingham.
“The return will make it easier to connect more passengers to popular long-haul destinations including Thailand, Australia and of course the vibrant city of Dubai for summer and beyond.
“As well as meeting increased customer demand, businesses across the region will be able to take full advantage of the cargo capacity.
“We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Birmingham Airport and our ongoing commitments to the wider Midlands region. We look forward to welcoming customers back on board.”
Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “Emirates’ magnificent A380 aircraft on the BHX tarmac is a sight for sore eyes. We are all thrilled to see it back.
“Whether travelling for business, leisure or family, our twice daily Dubai services are very popular with nine out of 10 seats sold on average.
“The extra capacity offered by the A380 will be welcomed by Emirates customers.”
For more information, visit emirates.com. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com.
