Emirates A380 to serve Manchester from 1st September

A 517-seat version of the giant aircraft will serve Manchester from 1st September - as the airline marks a double decade 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, Commercial Operations, Europe & 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."

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 £10m (Dhs54.8m) 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."

Emirates is currently operating eight A380s. They serve London Heathrow, Toronto, Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland.

The much-praised aircraft offers an Onboard Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, with a wide range of drinks and canapés, as well as the 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.

In Business Class, fully-flat seats all have aisle access, a mini-bar, lap top and shoe stowage and a very useful personal side table. As with First Class, Gourmet dining comes with bone China.

In Economy Class, the straight walls give the impression of increased spaciousness, along with a 32" seat pitch which is one of the most generous on the market.

Available to all onboard is Emirates' award-winning 'ice' (information, communication, entertainment) in-flight entertainment system. It brings more than 1200 channels of on-demand pure enjoyment.

In October, an Dhs8.2m Emirates Lounge was opened at Manchester International Airport, bringing a welcomed travel sanctuary to the airline's premium travellers.

Emirates has two flights a day to Manchester. The A380 flight - EK017 - departs Dubai at 0755hrs and arrives in Manchester at 1225hrs. The return flight - EK018 - leaves Manchester at 1410hrs and gets into Dubai at 0015hrs the following day.