Egypt Welcomes the A380

AHEAD OF regular super jumbo operations, Dubai-based Emirates has operated its first A380 service to Cairo, making it the first scheduled commercial airline to operate the type into the country.

The inaugural flight, which took place on October 2, was a test to reaffirm the airport’s infrastructure readiness ahead of regular operations by the double-decker jet. The route is due to operate as EK927 and EK928, departing Dubai at 0815hrs arriving in Cairo at 1000hrs. The return leg leaves the Egyptian capital at 1315hrs arriving at the airline’s hub at 1845hrs.

Adel Al Redha, chief operating officer at Emirates, commented: “Our close relationship with Egypt spans over 30 years and we reaffirm our commitment to the country by operating our iconic A380 to Cairo. Egypt has always been a significant destination for us in the region, and we are humbled to be able to play a role in making aviation history.”

The aircraft will be set in a threeclass configuration made up of 426 economy seats, 76 flat-bed business class seats and 14 firstclass suites. Beginning flights to Cairo in 1986 with three flights a week, the Middle Eastern carrier has steadily expanded its services to the region and will eventually operate 25 weekly flights between the two cities.

The Airbus A380 is one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world and Emirates boasts the largest fleet of the type, with 112 currently in service. (Photo Emirates)