Dubai’s Emirates introduces Airbus A380 on Hamburg, Osaka routes

Dubai carrier Emirates expanded capacity on its routes to Hamburg and Osaka this week with the introduction of the Airbus A380.

The inaugural A380 service from Dubai International Airport to Osaka, Japan, arrived on October 28 and the service to Hamburg, Germany, on October 29.

The EK316/317 service to Osaka has 489 seats, with 399 in economy, 76 in business and 14 in first class.

The EK061/062 Hamburg service has 517 seats with 427 in economy, 76 in business and 14 in first class.

Both were previously served by a Boeing 700-300.

“We are the first airline to offer scheduled A380 services into Hamburg and we are proud to operate the A380 on flights to all German gateways,” said Emirates executive vice president and chief commercial officer Thierry Antinori.

“Adding Osaka to our growing list of A380 destination cities allows us to provide our customers in Japan with the best-in-class onboard product and innovative offering that the aircraft offers – this is a great achievement for us.”

Emirates, which is by far the largest operator of the A380, firmed up an order for 20 aircraft and 16 options in February after months of talks.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates operates temporary A380 service to St Petersburg

However, there have been reports that the deal is now in a deadlock over issues with the fuel burns of the engines that the new aircraft would use.

Read: Emirates A380 order in question over engine issues – report

Emirates operates more than half of the A380 order book and the February order brought its commitment to 178 worth more than $60bn.