Emirates marks its first A380 flight to Beijing

The world's largest commercial aircraft landed in the world's most populous country to a water cannon welcome, with VIPs from Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), Beijing Terminal 3 and the gathered media looking on.

During the welcome ceremony, Richard Jewsbury, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East and Australasia, expressed his excitement, "Seven years ago we were the first airline to open a non-stop link between the Middle East and Mainland China.

"Today we celebrate another first with the arrival of our A380 to Beijing, this momentous touchdown of the world's largest aircraft not only reiterates Emirates' commitment to the development of the China market, but also begins a new era for China's civil aviation.

"This daily A380 service would not have been possible without the commitment and the partnership with the CAAC, BCIA and Beijing Terminal 3 and we are extremely grateful to them.

"We are confident that the A380 will help to build the growing bilateral trade between China, the United Arab Emirates, which has maintained steady growth during the past five years, and the ever expanding Emirates network spread over the Middle East, Africa, South America and Europe; as well as facilitating outbound Chinese travellers and promoting the attractions of China across our network on six continents. We look forward to progressively growing our operations to China in the future."

Mr. Zhang Guanghui, President & CEO of Beijing Capital International Airport Co., Ltd. said: "We are thrilled to witness the arrival of Emirates' revolutionary A380! This is an important event for Beijing Capital International Airport. Emirates is an ideal partner to work with to achieve our aim of building up the airport into one of the most modern airports in the world."

Among the VIP guests who flew to Beijing aboard Emirates' A380 was the Consul General of Chinese Consulate, H.E. Gao Youzhen; Head of HR & Admin. of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Mr Kang Xun; the Managing Director of China Construction, Mr Yu Tao; President of SINOPEC, Mr Shengli Fan; the Managing Director of COSCO, Mr Wei Zhao and the Managing Director of Phoenix Travel, Ms Zhao Fang.

The 517 seat A380 operates as EK 306 departing Dubai daily at 04:10 hrs, touching down in the Chinese capital city at 15:10 hrs. The return flight, EK 307 takes off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 23:55 hrs, landing at Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport at 04:20 hrs the following day.

The Airbus A380 is the most environmentally advanced commercial aircraft in the world, its lighter and stronger structure results in an up to 20% less fuel burn per seat than today's largest aircraft types. Low fuel burn means lower CO2 emissions, and the A380 produces less than 75g of CO2 per passenger kilometre, almost half of the European target for cars manufactured in 2008 and better than most modern small cars on a per passenger basis.

Emirates' A380 offers a range of innovations to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable for passengers travelling in all classes.

First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites; the cabin also has two exquisitely designed onboard Shower Spas, ensuring a revitalised and refreshed arrival.

For First and Business Class passengers the on-board lounge is the social highlight, featuring a fully-stocked bar and a selection of hot and cold canapés.

Business Class passengers can relax in seats that convert to flat beds up to 79 inches (two metres) long, whilst those travelling in Economy Class can stretch out in seats with a pitch of up to 33 inches.

Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates' award-winning ICE (information, communication, entertainment) Digital Widescreen inflight entertainment system, which features over 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment including Chinese movies, music and many Hollywood films with Chinese subtitles or language dubs.

In addition to the entertainment, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from the exclusive Chinese menu served to them by Emirates Cabin Crew from over 120 nations including China.

Currently Emirates operates double-daily services each to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and daily services to Guangzhou; while the airline's fleet of 11 A380s are currently operating on services from Dubai to London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Jeddah, Sydney and Auckland.