By IANS,
Dubai : An Emirates’ super-jumbo double-decker is to make its maiden flight from Dubai to Birmingham in September. The plane will have the world’s first on board shower spas, the WAM news agency reported Thursday.
The super-jumbo A380 will serve the passenger in the sector just for a single day – Sep 9, 2009 – in what is likely to be one of Emirates’ briefest commercial deployments, as part of the Birmingham International Airport’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
The aircraft will be used on one of Emirates’ two daily services from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Birmingham, giving passengers the first chance to fly directly to and from Birmingham on the A380.
President Emirates Airline Tim Clark 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.
“We hope that many travellers from around the region will take advantage of this opportunity to fly on the super-jumbo for the first time. With the range of amenities we have on board, including the world’s first on board shower spas for first class passengers. We are sure they won’t be disappointed.”
Birmingham International Airport’s deputy chief executive officer Joe Kelly said: “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 Britain,” he added. “As well as our 70th anniversary, Sep 9, is also the date that our new 45 million pound (about $73 million) International Pier (dock) opens with state of the art facilities and it is therefore very fitting that the first aircraft will be the Emirates’ A380.”