Dubai-based Emirates airline has launched its A380 service to Gatwick, representing a 15 per cent capacity boost.

 

To become A380 compliant, London Gatwick has invested 6.4 million pounds ($10.6 million) in new facilities, including the widening of three runway rapid exit taxiways and modifications to taxiways between the runway rapid exit taxiways and modifications to taxiways between the runway and the stand.

 

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer of London Gatwick, said: “The A380 is one of the modern marvels of aviation engineering and as such we have dedicated part of Gatwick’s one billion pounds investment in transforming its infrastructure, creating a stand designed specifically with the world’s largest aircraft in mind. We are pleased to welcome a scheduled A380 service with Emirates.”

 

Hubert Frach, Emirates divisional senior vice president Commercial Operations West, said: “Emirates and Gatwick have once again been working closely together in the shared goal of providing the best possible passenger experience.”

 

“It is fitting that Gatwick’s renewed spirit of ambition, as symbolised in their modernisation programme of recent years, will now be joined by Emirates’ own symbol of ambition and connectivity, the world’s largest passenger jet. Now, more people in the South East of England will be able to connect to more destinations and that is great news for holidaymakers and business travellers alike.” 

 

The daily A380 service will replace the existing afternoon Boeing 777-300ER flight EK 009, providing customers with an additional 9,700 seats per month in both directions. 

 

The spacious aircraft will feature on-board wifi, world-class food and entertainment from the ice system with over 1,600 channels of entertainment. The first class and business class passengers will have access to the on-board Lounge, while the former will also have access to the the Shower Spa, Timeless Shower Spa kits and the aircraft’s first class private suites. - TradeArabia News Service