Emirates, one of the world’s largest international airlines, has resumed A380 services to Melbourne, with daily flights to Victoria. Yesterday, the flagship aircraft returned to the skies of Melbourne for Australians to enjoy its highly-popular signature services and superior levels of comfort and spaciousness. In its unwavering commitment to the country, Melbourne becomes Emirates’ second point in Australia to be served by the double-decker aircraft since resuming operations during the pandemic.
The reintroduction of the much-loved Emirates A380 provides a near 50 percent boost to passenger capacity on Emirates’ flights between Melbourne and its Dubai hub, allowing more eligible travellers to return home or visit family, or travel abroad for leisure or business as travel demand returns. The upgrade to the A380 follows the airline’s recent increase in services from four times weekly to daily on its Melbourne-Dubai route, a sign of the strong demand it’s seen for services following the easing of international travel restrictions in Victoria.
As Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, the Expo livery aircraft appearance in Melbourne not only marks the resumption of Emirates’ flagship A380 services to Victoria, but also supports a special message to visit the largest World Expo to be ever hosted, Expo 2020 Dubai. The aircraft is emblazoned in the distinctive blue ‘mobility’ decal inspired from the event’s logo based on a ring design. Emirates’ fleet of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft comprises over 30 aircraft in Expo 2020 livery in three distinct colours reflecting the sub-themes of Expo 2020 Dubai – orange for ‘opportunity’, green for ‘sustainability’ and blue for ‘mobility’. These are in addition to the special Expo livery aircraft painted in a unique design and featuring in the airline’s latest ad campaign inviting the world to the event.
With Australia being the third-largest destination for Emirates’ A380 operations, the airline has been continuously committed to increasing flights to Australia, with full and greater capacity on flights to Brisbane, Sydney, and now Melbourne, with ongoing services to Perth. Melbourne joins Sydney in offering A380 services, which began daily from 1 December 2021.
Barry Brown, Emirates Divisional Vice President for Australasia said: “We at Emirates are thrilled to see the A380’s return to Melbourne. Now that the Victorian capital has once again become the latest destination in our A380 network, Australians will have more opportunities for leisure and business travel.
“This year marks 25 years of our service to Australia, with Melbourne being where it stated for us, as our first Australian destination in 1996. Our commitment to this country remains as strong as it was back then. Adding more seats to our Melbourne service is yet another way of demonstrating our commitment, as we continue to ramp up our services to Australia.”
Lorie Argus, Chief of Aviation for Melbourne Airport added: “We are excited to have welcomed the Emirates’ A380 return to Melbourne Airport. This is significant as it marks the return of our first daily A380 service for the first-time since the start of the pandemic.
The wide-body aircraft will operate daily between Melbourne and Dubai, connecting our passengers to the rest of the world – assisting our pathway to international aviation recovery.”
The larger capacity A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering 426 seats in Economy Class as well as its Premium cabins, with 76 seats in Business Class and 14 in First Class.
With the iconic aircraft operating flights on this route, customers can look forward to the signature experience and exceptional comfort they have grown to love. From private suites and Shower Spas in First Class, to flat-bed seats in Business Class, plus newly-introduced Premium Economy on select aircraft, offering extra room and custom lighting in Economy Class, Emirates’ A380 offers a luxurious and eclectic flying experience like no other.
Emirates Network and Qantas partnership
Customers of Emirates and Qantas have access to an expansive network of destinations thanks to the codeshare partnership between the two airlines. In addition to over 120 destinations that Emirates flies to, its customers currently have access to nearly 30 Australian destinations though the partnership, while Qantas customers are able to fly on Emirates to Dubai and access over 50 cities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Expo 2020 Dubai
Dubai is hosting the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, inspiring people by showcasing collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the globe.
The six-month program, which is running until March 2022 is packed with a rich line up of arts and culture, sporting, education and technology activities as well as a wide-range of performance, workshops, live shows and exhibits that can be explored.
With over 190 participating countries, Australian visitors can stop by the Australian Pavilion and explore the theme of ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’ and participate in one of the many sporting workshops on offer or visit Emirates own pavilion to learn about the future of aviation.
Emirates customers visiting Dubai, and travelling through Dubai, anytime until 31 March 2022, are eligible to receive a free Emirates Expo Day Pass. Emirates Skywards members will also earn 1 Skywards Mile for every 1 minute spent in Dubai until the end of the exhibition.
Travelling with Emirates
Keeping the health and wellbeing of its passengers as top priority, Emirates has introduced a comprehensive set of safety measures at every step of the customer journey. The airline has also been building on its contactless technology offering and has scaled up its digital verification capabilities to provide its customers even more opportunities to utilise the IATA Travel Pass.
Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services that address traveller needs during a dynamic time. The airline has taken its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, COVID-19 medical travel insurance, and helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status.
Customers are encouraged to check their latest government travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors and residents returning to Dubai visit:
https://www.emirates.com/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/