Emirates celebrates A380 fifth anniversary

Emirates has carried more than 18 million passengers on its double decker A380 as the airline marks the fifth anniversary of the aircraft joining its fleet.

It was August 2008 when Emirates operated its first scheduled Airbus A380 flight to New York.

Now, the airline flies to 21 A380 destinations including London Heathrow, Rome, Moscow, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Auckland.

Over 7,000 cabin crew support a world-renowned fleet of 35 A380s, along with nearly 670 flight deck crew.

Over the five years of operation, over 35 million meals have been served during 20,000 trips, spanning 265 million kilometres.

In all, 37 airports have been visited, either for scheduled flights, one off special appearances or because of diversions.

“Five swift years have gone by since Emirates changed the face of air travel with this remarkable aircraft,” said Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline.

The main talking point amongst those who have flown on the upper deck of the A380 is the Onboard Lounge, where Business Class and First Class travellers can exchange tales and talk business over a drink at 40,000 feet.

In January 2013, Emirates opened Concourse A, the dedicated home of its A380 fleet and the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft at Dubai International.

The concourse, part of Terminal 3, comprises 20 A380-capable contact gates, as well as Emirates’ flagship First Class and Business Class lounges, the largest in the world.

Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the A380.



In addition to its 35-strong fleet, the airline has a further 55 A380s on order.