It’s been three years since the superjumbo was last flown into the Midlands-based airport
Emirates has welcomed its Airbus A380 back to Birmingham Airport operations, with A6-EOH operating EK39 on Saturday, July 1.
Arriving into Birmingham from Dubai shortly before 1230hrs, the aircraft was met with great fanfare from countless enthusiasts gathered around the airport perimeter and staff working at the airport alike.
A6-EOH (c/n 174) is an eight-year-old example with three classes onboard, and also boasts the recently-refreshed Emirates livery. It was previously stored from March 2020 to March 2022 at Dubai World Central, before being stored at Dubai International Airport from March 2022 to June 2022. It made its return to service on June 18, 2022.
On the flight deck for the return to Birmingham was local lad Alex Orchard, Senior First Officer with Emirates on the A380. Although now based in the sunnier climes of Dubai, Orchard was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Speaking exclusively to Key Aero, he said: “It’s a nice challenge. It’s a short runway for Birmingham and we’ve got a bit of a crosswind, some interesting conditions. To fly such a large aircraft in the challenging conditions is really very enjoyable.”
Orchard’s parents had also made the trip to Birmingham Airport to watch him fly the aircraft in, as well as Divisional Vice President UK at Emirates, Richard Jewsbury.
Speaking to Key Aero, Jewsbury added: “Whether you're traveling for leisure, visiting family or relatives or for business, we really help connect Birmingham and the West Midlands to our global network.”
The aircraft had a swift turnaround on the ground in Birmingham, heading back to Dubai as EK40 shortly after 1515hrs.
The carrier's return to Birmingham follows a similar move in March which saw it bring the A380 back to Glasgow.
