Dubai carrier Emirates last night landed its flagship aircraft A380 at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to mark Saudi Arabia’s 81st National Day celebrations.

The award-winning A380 flight, touched down to a water cannon salute before Captain Ali Kashwani and First Officer Yousuf AlShamsi, both UAE Nationals, waved the Saudi flag from their cockpit windows in honour of the country’s national day.

The 489 passengers on-board were welcomed by senior officials including Mohammed bin Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Al Anqari, VP Saudi Civil Aviation General Authority and Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates VP, Saudi Arabia.

Travelling on the flight from Dubai was Ahmed Khoory, Emirates senior VP, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.

Emirates also played host to a number of key UAE officials including; Mohammed Al Marri, director general, Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs and Salah Rashid Al Ansari, director of Dubai Tourism.

“It is fitting that on the occasion of the country’s 81st National Day we have landed our flagship aircraft in the country’s capital,' said Khoory.

'For Emirates our A380 is symbolic of our determination to succeed in much the same way that the Kingdom’s National Day embodies the passion of this great nation,' he noted.

'Today’s A380 service to King Khalid International Airport reinforces the strong bond that Emirates shares with Saudi Arabia and we congratulate the country on their National Day,' Khoory added.

Abdulla Al Tassan, the airport director general, said, 'I deeply thank our brothers in the UAE and Emirates for sharing our celebration. It is the first time this incredible aircraft has touched down here and is a unique way of celebrating this important day.'

On arrival Emirates and King Khalid International Airport held an airport reception for around 80 VIPs and media.

Guests were then invited on a guided tour of the aircraft’s interior, gaining an appreciation for its incredible design and aesthetics.

Emirates currently operates to four cities within Saudi Arabia including; Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah.-TradeArabia News Service