New Delhi:
Emirates Airlines has commissioned a special commercial service of the 517-seat A380 .
The A380 will operate EK516 on the Dubai-Delhi route on 15th July, 2010 departing Dubai at 10:10 hours and arrive in Delhi at 14:50 hours. The aircraft will be at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for three hours before it returns to Dubai as EK517 departing Delhi at 17:50 hours. Bookings for this special flight will open on 6th June, 2010 with a special one-way fare from Dubai for AED380 plus taxes or return for AED990 plus taxes. The fare is valid only for bookings made on the special flight of the Emirates A380.
"The fact that we are bringing the A380 here is a reiteration of the potential that we see in the Indian market and our intent to partner with the nation in its growth. Over the years, Emirates has evolved to become a company that is global in its operations but firmly connected with the Indian mindset and the consumer," said Majid Al Mualla, Emirates' Senior Vice President.
Emirates last week placed an order with Airbus for an additional 32 A380s, taking the total firm order for the iconic airliner of the 21st century to 90 and signalling the carrier's confidence in the long-term growth of air travel.
The massive bird, which will fly into the Indian skies for the very first time, is expected to attract huge crowds.
Emirates' A380 is renowned for its First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas.
Emirates, the largest operator of the A380, currently flies 11 of the aircraft serving popular destinations for travellers including London Heathrow, Toronto, Bangkok, Paris, Jeddah, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland.
The 517-seat aircraft offers 14 flat-bed First Class Private Suites with electrically operated doors, 76 fully-flat seats in Business Class - all with mini bars and aisle access, and 427 comfortable contoured seats in Economy - spread across four roomy cabins on the lower deck.
A personal satellite phone is fitted to each seat on the A380 aircraft, which also carries a seat-back SMS and email service, along with seat to seat calling and a "My USB" personal picture viewing facility.