Emirates to Fly A380 to Riyadh

Posted 14/09/2011

Emirates Airline has confirmed it will operate a one-off Airbus A380 commercial flight to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on September 23, to celebrate the country’s 81st National Day.  The aircraft will be used on the carrier’s EK817/818 scheduled flight that day between Dubai International and King Khalid International in Riyadh. 

“As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is an integral part of Emirates’ operations to the Kingdom. The A380 is our flagship aircraft and it is fitting that we mark the occasion of the country’s National Day by operating this one-of-a-kind aircraft into Riyadh,” said Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, Emirates Airline.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier already uses the A380 on its route between Dubai and Jeddah and has been doing so since February 2010, reporting strong demand from both business and leisure travellers.  “The superior A380 product is an excellent fit for discerning Saudi travellers and King Khalid International Airport is well equipped to handle the A380.  We are now working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure next week’s one-off operation is successful,” added Khoory.

The airline is the largest customer for the A380 and now operates 15 examples on services from Dubai to London Heathrow (double-daily), Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Jeddah, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland. Additional A380 destinations that have been announced include; Rome, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg and Munich.

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