Emirates to operate Gatwick's first A380 service

Gatwick in Landmark Moment as Emirates Dispatches World's Largest Airliner Emirates to operate Gatwick's first A380 service from July on 6.

The world's largest passenger jet aircraft will touch down at London Gatwick next month as Emirates brings an Airbus A380 to the airport to mark 25 years of service.

Business Class aboard the Emirates' A380.

The Emirates double decker, which carries over 500 passengers, will make history on July 6, when it becomes the first ever A380 service to Gatwick Airport. The A380 will operate one of Emirates three daily flights to Gatwick, enabling passengers to experience the world-renowned amenities on board.

These include the world first Onboard Shower Spas in First Class, an Onboard Lounge for First and Business Class passengers and an in-flight entertainment system throughout the aircraft with over 1300 channels on demand.

Emirates first flew to the UK on July 6, 1987 with a daily service to Gatwick. "Emirates has changed the face of UK air travel since we took off from Gatwick 25 years ago," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe and Russian Federation. "Since that time, millions of travellers have flown with us from our six UK departure points to Dubai and beyond."

"As our network has grown, we have not only introduced new overseas destinations to UK travellers, but have also helped to build trade links for the UK with markets across the globe. We have contributed to the UK economy through job creation, inbound tourism and cargo exports," Obaidalla added.

Emirates directly employs over 500 people in the UK and more than 2,500 British nationals across the Emirates Group globally. In addition to its triple daily Gatwick service, Emirates now flies five times daily to London Heathrow, three times a day to Manchester, twice daily to Birmingham and Glasgow, and daily to Newcastle.

"The arrival of a scheduled Emirates A380 flight from Dubai for the first time at Gatwick is a double celebration," said Guy Stephenson, Gatwick Airport's Chief Commercial Officer. "It marks the 25 years that Emirates have been operating in the UK, with Gatwick being their first airport. It is also the first time that Gatwick has welcomed a scheduled A380 flight, a huge achievement for the airport." Passengers in Economy Class will notice the straight, rather than conventionally concave walls throughout the cabin, giving the impression of increased spaciousness, enhanced by the more generous seats and wider aisles.

Emirates offer generous baggage allowances for First Class, Business Class and Economy Class passengers respectively. All-inclusive return Economy fares to Gatwick.