Emirates to Commence A380 Operations to Jeddah in 2010

Jeddah will be the eighth destination to be added to the growing list of gateways served by the A380, which include Sydney, Auckland, Heathrow, Bangkok, Toronto, Seoul and from December 29, Paris.

Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice-President Commercial Operations Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “The introduction of the highly acclaimed A380 on the Jeddah route is a true reflection of an increased demand for services in and out of the Kingdom. This service into Jeddah will mark Emirates’ first Middle Eastern A380 destination outside of Dubai, a significant milestone for both Emirates and Saudi Arabia.”

“Adding an A380 onto this perpetually busy route will significantly increase our capacity; ensuring passengers have greater access to flights whilst enjoying the distinction of travelling on the world’s largest and most heralded aircraft.” The A380 service to Jeddah will be the first aircraft into the city to contain three-configuration cabins. The A380 aircraft will feature 14 Private Suites in First Class, 76 new generation, fully flat seats in Business Class and 427 seats in the Economy cabin.

Starting February 1 next year, EK 803 will leave Dubai four days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, at 1630hrs and arrive in Jeddah at 1830hrs. From Jeddah, EK 804 departs at 2045hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0015hrs. Emirates currently has seven A380 aircraft in its fleet. The airline boasts the world’s largest order of Airbus A380s with a further 51 double-deckers still to be delivered.

Emirates commenced services to Jeddah in 1989, with Jeddah the first of three gateways that Emirates now operates to in the Kingdom, in addition to Riyadh and Dammam.

Emirates currently operates a daily flight to Jeddah from Dubai.

· business@khaleejtimes.com