Emirates brings the A380 back to Melbourne

Melbourne sees its first daily Airbus A380 in almost two years as Emirates brings the superjumbo back to the southern capital.  This route was being serviced by a Boeing 777-31H and the last 777 departed Melbourne last night at 10.16pm local time and A6-ECK (MSN 35584) did the honours. 7 minutes later the first A380 in 2 yrs landed at 10.23pm and A6-EVH (257) did that run. The A380 will sit on the ground all day and will depart at 10.15pm 

EMIRATES A380-842 A6-EVH (MSN 257)        File Photo

The Gulf carrier and Qantas partner is upgrading its Dubai-Melbourne EK408 / EK409 service from a Boeing 777 to an Airbus A380 in a move which will result in a near-50% boost to the number of seats available on the route, which feeds into Emirates' network of flights from Dubai to the UK, Europe and Africa. Lorie Argus, Chief of Aviation at Melbourne Airport, said the double-decker A380 "is the world’s largest passenger jet and a favourite with travellers."

"Emirates’ decision to return the A380 to Melbourne is a real vote of confidence in our city, as it represents a sizeable increase in seat capacity."

Sydney has been  enjoying the A380 bump-up from the 1st December with A6-EEU (MSN 147) performed that flight. Here in Brisbane were are slated to follow from the 1st July – although Emirates' lounges at all three international airports remain closed, with the airline declining to comment on a timetable for their reopening.

The return of the superjumbo will be welcomed by travellers eager to swap that long trek on the older Boeing jets for the quieter and modern A380, especially when it comes to the more spacious business class seats and private first class suites, plus of course that iconic cocktail bar.


Story sourced from here with additions.

Superjumbo soars again as Emirates brings the A380 back to Melbourne - Executive Traveller