Dubai-based Emirates has launched a second daily A380 service to London Gatwick Airport.

Due to passenger demand, Emirates has taken the decision to immediately upgrade its EK15/16 route that was previously operated by a Boeing 777. The A380 will add a total of 318 seats per day increasing capacity in all three classes by 11.5 per cent.

Over 330,000 customers have already flown with the A380 to and from London Gatwick since the aircraft was first deployed in March 2014.

Hubert Frach, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, commercial operations west, said: “We are constantly seeking ways to enhance our services to meet passenger expectations. Demand for the A380 has prompted us to introduce a second daily A380 service to London Gatwick, months ahead of schedule. This strengthens our bid to provide both holidaymakers and business travellers with a world-class travel experience whilst ensuring better seat availability from one of the busiest airports in the UK.’’

Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer, London Gatwick, said: “Following increasing passenger demand and a strong performance of Emirates’ first A380 service to Dubai from Gatwick, we welcome the introduction a second daily A380 service. With the world’s busiest single runway and a constant flow of passengers from London’s South East, it is important that we offer travellers the best possible connections to worldwide destinations and the new Emirates A380 service allows us to do just that.”

The introduction of a second daily Emirates A380 to London Gatwick is expected to help facilitate increased trade from key destinations in West Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Far East. Leisure travellers will also benefit from the additional capacity which has been introduced well in time for the UK summer.

Emirates’ First Class, Business Class and Skywards Platinum and Gold members will also benefit from access to the largest lounge on the Emirates network located at London Gatwick Airport.

The Emirates A380 offers spacious seating in Economy Class, access to the exclusive on-board Shower Spas for First Class passengers and the On-board Lounge where First Class and Business Class passengers can socialise at 40,000 ft. Passengers throughout all classes can also enjoy access to over 2,000 channels of films, TV shows, music and games through ice, the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system as well as free wi-fi connectivity and gourmet cuisine.

As with all Emirates flights, passengers will benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30 kg in Economy Class, 40 kg in Business Class and 50 kg in First Class. – TradeArabia News Service