Emirates will fly first A380 to New York on August 1

Dubai: Air travellers will be able to experience Emirates airline's A380 aircraft for the first time on August 1, when the airline launches its first A380 commercial service from Dubai to New York JFK.

The 14-hour non-stop flight will also be the first commercial A380 service to the Americas.

"The Americas represent a key focus area in Emirates' route development plans, and we are delighted to be the first airline to launch commercial A380 services to the continent. We are confident that Emirates' customers travelling to and from North America will welcome the A380's additional space and capacity, as well as our luxurious onboard amenities which will provide a very high quality travel experience previously associated only with private jets," said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group.

Emirates' A380 interiors and onboard product, which have been kept under wraps thus far, will be revealed for the first time when the airline receives its first A380 on July 28.

Fuel efficiency

Powered by Engine Alliance's GP7200 engines, Emirates' A380s can fly up to 12,000 kilometres with a full passenger load, and offer better fuel economy per passenger kilometre than most hybrid passenger cars.

The A380 is also quieter, which means more comfort for passengers and a smaller noise footprint.

On August 1 and 3, Emirates will operate its A380 aircraft between Dubai and New York JFK on a commercial basis. These will be additional flights to its existing twice-a-day non-stop service. Subsequently, Emirates will deploy the A380 between Dubai and New York on one of its scheduled twice-daily flights.

Emirates' first commercial A380 flight EK3801 will depart at 11am and arrive at JFK at 14.45pm. The return flight EK3802 will depart JFK at 9pm and arrive in Dubai at 5.45pm next day.

Emirates expects delivery of five A380s in its current financial year, all featuring its ultra long-haul configuration of 489 seats: 14 in first class, 76 in business and 399 in economy; with 13 tonnes of bellyhold capacity for cargo.

After New York, these aircraft are slated to operate on Emirates' routes from to Heathrow and Sydney-Auckland.