Dubai national carrier Emirates said it will operate its first A380 service into Riyadh from September 23 to mark Saudi Arabia’s 81st National Day.

Operating into King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, on September 23, the one-off Emirates A380 service will operate as a commercial flight, giving customers the opportunity to be on the inaugural A380 service to the city.
 
“As the Saudi capital, Riyadh is an integral part of Emirates’ operations to the Kingdom. The A380 is our flagship aircraft and it is fitting that we mark the occasion of the country’s National Day by operating this one-of-a-kind aircraft into Riyadh,” said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ senior vice president, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.
 
The A380 has been operational between Jeddah and Dubai since February 2010, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers in both directions.

The popular aircraft boasts 14 private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats with ice Digital Widescreen in Economy Class. 
 
'The superior A380 product is an excellent fit for discerning Saudi travellers and our customers in Riyadh are eager to try the award-winning service for themselves,' said Khoory.

'King Khalid International Airport is well equipped to handle the A380 and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure next week’s one-off operation is successful,' he noted.

The Emirates flight EK817 will take off from Dubai at 4.55pm on September 23 and will land in Riyadh at 5:45pm the same day. On return, EK818, will leave Riyadh the same day at 8.45pm and arrive in Dubai at 11.25 the same day.
 
Emirates’ A380 will be the first ever superjumbo to touch down at King Khalid International Airport, said Khoory.-TradeArabia News Service