Dubai: Manchester will become the most northerly point on the A380 network after Emirates revealed its latest plans for the superjumbo, the airline said in a statement.
The 517-seat aircraft will serve Manchester from September 1 as the airline marks two decades of service to the city.
The A380 will replace Boeing 777 aircraft on EK017 from Dubai and EK018 out of Manchester. At the same time, Manchester will become the world's first regional airport to have a regular A380 service.
Salem Obaidalla, Emirates Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Europe and Russian Federation, said: "Manchester has become one of the strongest performers in our growing network of regional gateways. Our customers value our commitment to a regional network at a time when other airlines are abandoning them. We are delighted to give our Manchester customers the very best available in the shape of the Emirates A380, which, without doubt, has revolutionised flying."
Emirates currently operates eight A380s. They serve London Heathrow, Toronto, Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland.
The aircraft offers an onboard lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, with a wide range of drinks and canapés, as well as space to socialise or simply relax.
The whole of the upper deck is dedicated to premium passengers.
Towards the front, First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped private suites. These incorporate remote-controlled doors, a work desk, a 23-inch digital widescreen TV, and an electrically controlled mini-bar.
Historic moment
Manchester Airport's Managing Director Andrew Cornish said: "Emirates' decision to operate daily A380 services between Manchester and Dubai represents an historic moment for this airport and the region that we serve. We have invested close to £10 million (Dh54.8 million) in upgrading the airfield and terminal, both to accommodate the aircraft itself and to create a fitting environment for Emirates customers, whether it is at check-in, using the airline's executive lounge or at the gate area."
In October, an Dh8.2 million Emirates Lounge was opened at the airport for the airline's premium travellers.
Emirates has two flights a day to Manchester.
Flight EK017 departs Dubai at 7.55am while the return flight EK018 leaves Manchester at 2.10pm.
