Emirates to Fly Airbus A380 to Birmingham for One Special Day

In what is likely to be one of Emirates' briefest commercial deployments, an Airbus A380 will serve Birmingham for just one day on September 9th, as part of Birmingham International Airport's 70th anniversary celebrations.

The double-decker will be used on one of Emirates’ two daily services to Birmingham, giving passengers the first chance to fly directly to or from Birmingham on the A380.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said, “Emirates and Birmingham International Airport have enjoyed a successful partnership since we started services in 2000, and it’s fitting that we should mark this significant milestone in the airport’s history by flying in our most talked about aircraft.”

Joe Kelly, Birmingham International Airport’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, added, “Our 70th anniversary is a fantastic milestone for the airport and we are delighted that Emirates is helping us celebrate our birthday with the A380. Additionally, this is the first commercial flight of an A380 outside of London Heathrow in the UK.”

“As well as our 70th anniversary, September 9th is also the date that our new 45 million pound International Pier opens. The Pier replaces the existing Pier, constructed in 1984, with state of the art facilities and it is therefore very fitting that the first aircraft will be the Emirates’ A380” Mr Kelly added.

Passengers will have two chances to fly on the superjumbo between Dubai and Birmingham. Flight EK039 departs Dubai at 08:05 and arrives in Birmingham at 12:35. Alternatively, travellers can take EK040, which leaves Birmingham at 15:05 and lands in Dubai at 01:05 the next day.

Spread over two levels, the whole of the Emirates' A380 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, an electrically controlled mini-bar and the most advanced in-flight entertainment system available to travellers.

The aircraft boasts two Onboard Shower Spas - in First Class, which include heated flooring, leather seating and shower kits from Emirates’ premium spa brand, Timeless Spa.

Business Class passengers will be able to enjoy a new generation of intelligent seating designed to ensure all seats have aisle access. There's a cleverly designed table that never gets in the way, and a seat that slickly becomes a fully-flat bed. Passengers have ample laptop stowage when they want to switch from work to fun and enjoy the award-winning ice entertainment system, which is available to all onboard.

First and Business Class passengers can also take advantage of the Onboard Lounge, located at the rear of the upper deck. The lounge is designed to make passengers feel like they are in their own executive club, and offers seating with a wide range of beverages and canapés. A First Class Social Area with drinks facilities is located at the front of the upper deck.

Passengers in Economy Class will notice the straight, rather than conventionally concave walls, throughout the cabin, giving the impression of increased spaciousness, enhanced by the more generous seats and wider aisles.

September 9th is not only a significant day for Birmingham International Airport in the world of transport developments. Dubai Metro, a full automated, driverless railway system running throughout Dubai, is due to open the same day.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Emirates, Airbus, A380, Dubai, Birmingham, Airports