DUBAI, March 30th, 2010: Manchester will become the most northerly point on the world’s A380 network after Emirates Airlines revealed its latest plans for the superjumbo. A 517-seat version of the giant aircraft will serve Manchester from 1st September – as the airline marks a double decade of service to the city.

The A380 will replace Boeing 777 aircraft on EK017 from Dubai and EK018 out of Manchester. At the same time, Manchester will become the world’s first regional airport to have a regular A380 service.

“Manchester has become one of the strongest performers in our growing network of regional gateways. Our customers value our commitment to a regional network at a time when other airlines are abandoning them. We are delighted to give our Manchester customers the very best available in the shape of the Emirates’ A380, which, without doubt, has revolutionised flying,” Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe ‘&’ Russian Federation, said.

Manchester Airport’s Managing Director, Andrew Cornish, said, “Emirates Airlines‘ decision to operate daily A380 services between Manchester and Dubai represents an historic moment for this airport and the region that we serve. We have invested close to ?10m (Dhs54.8m) in upgrading the airfield and terminal, both to accommodate the aircraft itself and to create a fitting environment for Emirates’ customers, whether it is at check-in, using the airline’s executive lounge or at the gate area.” Emirates is currently operating eight A380s. They serve London Heathrow, Toronto, Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and Auckland