Emirates launches A380 Flights to Manchester

Emirates has launched Airbus A380 flights between Dubai and Manchester in the north west of England.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman Emirates Airline & Group, who was born in the north west of England and joined the first Manchester A380 flight said, "This is a historic moment for Emirates as we bring our 21st century superjumbo to the north west twenty years after our first flight from the region. Our Manchester service has been an incredible success story, and we're delighted to be opening the next chapter today."

EK017 leaves Dubai daily at 07:55 and arrives in Manchester at 12:25. EK018 departs Manchester at 14:10, arriving in Dubai at 00:15 the next day.

Manchester Airport's Managing Director, Andrew Cornish, said, "The start of daily A380 services from Manchester to Dubai is a moment in history for our airport and the wider region. It's of such significance that we're expecting thousands of people to visit the airport on September 1st to catch a glimpse of her first flight. We've invested around £10m to upgrade the airport's infrastructure to accommodate the flagship of the Emirates fleet and are very much looking forward to welcoming her for the first time."

Emirates' A380 is renowned for its First Class Private Suites, Onboard Shower Spas and Onboard Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, offering a wide range of drinks and canapés, as well as space to socialise or simply relax.

Emirates now operates A380s on the following routes: London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris, Sydney, Auckland, Toronto, Bangkok, Seoul, Jeddah and Beijing.

Hong Kong (via Bangkok) will be added to that list from 1 October and on 31 October, the A380 will make a much-anticipated return to New York.

Emirates is the world's largest customer for the superjumbo and its total A380 order book is 90 - with 78 aircraft still to come.