Emirates Receives 46th And 47th A380s, Launches A380 To Gatwick

Emirates’ A380 fleet is rapidly approaching the 50-aircraft mark – the size of some international airlines, such as Cebu Air.

Emirates’ 46th and 47th A380 aircraft arrived in Dubai in the early hours of Friday and the two new double-deckers – coded EEU and EET – are already in active service, having completed their first flights on Emirates’ Bangkok and Melbourne routes respectively.

The airline also launched its A380 service to London Gatwick on Sunday, representing a 15 per cent capacity boost for the UK route.

Emirates, which flew its inaugural UK flight 26 years ago from Gatwick, becomes the first airline to operate the jumbo jet out of the UK airport.

In order to become A380 compliant, London Gatwick has invested £6.4 million in new facilities, including the widening of three runway rapid exit taxiways and modifications to taxiways between the runway and the stand, the airline noted.

In a bid to boost A380 services, the airline also recently released its new digital campaign featuring a light-hearted moment between Pelé and Ronaldo in the onboard lounge of an Emirates A380. Both players are now global ambassadors for Emirates.

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Emirates followed up its original 90-strong order for A380s with a $23 billion order for 50 more at last November’s Dubai Airshow.