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Emirates’ flagship A380 made a landmark landing at Christchurch Airport today (27 March), marking the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after more than three years.
The special service was welcomed by a large crowd on the borders of Christchurch Airport, who watched the iconic aircraft glide through a ceremonial water cannon salute before stopping in front of trade, media and dignitaries at the international terminal .
Outbound EK412 left Dubai at 10:15 local time, stopped briefly in Sydney, and then arrived in Christchurch at 13:55 New Zealand time the following day.
On the first flight back to Christchurch, Emirates Australasia vice-president Barry Brown said: “The water cannon salute we saw after landing on an Emirates A380 for the first time in over three years reminded us of this How special Christchurch this aircraft has been since it first arrived in 2016. The significance of the occasion is also evident on the faces of the other passengers on board who understand what the service means to Christchurch and its connection to the world .
“Not only is Christchurch once again the smallest city in the Emirates A380 network, but New Zealand is now the first country in our network to have exclusive access to our four-cabin A380 and our best product yet. From the moment tickets go on sale Since then, the response from customers, both in and outside of Christchurch, has been excellent, showing that there is a high demand in the city.”
Phil Mauger Mayor of Christchurch said: “The return of Emirates A380 service is a huge boost for Christchurch and the wider South Island. It shows that we are open and welcoming travelers after several years of Covid restrictions I extend a warm welcome to passengers and crew and hope the restored service is a real success for Emirates.”
The resumption of the Dubai-Christchurch route marks a planned increase in seat capacity across Emirates’ global network, with operations up 31% (ASKM total) since the start of the financial year. This operational boost includes the re-launch of Emirates’ non-stop Auckland-Dubai A380 route last December.
The return of the Emirates A380 to Christchurch is also good news for South Island producers, with SkyCargo once again supporting the export of 15 to 18 tonnes of daily cargo across the Tasman. The airfreight will provide much-needed airfreight for a wide range of exporters including Central Otago cherries, New Zealand premium lamb and premium seafood as they continue to be shipped to destinations around the world.
Customers in both the North and South Islands will now have direct access to Emirates A380 daily services, offering a greater degree of flexibility and choice when planning their travel, and providing seamless and reduced journey times to other destinations across the airline’s global network. Connecting times, including destinations Europe and the Middle East.
Passengers looking to venture beyond the airline’s gateway will also have more opportunities to connect to 55 cities across Australia and New Zealand through Emirates’ long-term partnership with Qantas. – trade arab news agency
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