Emirates set to take A380 to Riyadh

Operating into King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, on 23rd September, the one-off Emirates A380 service will operate as a commercial flight, giving customers the opportunity to be on the inaugural A380 service to the city.

"As the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is an integral part of Emirates' operations to the Kingdom.

The A380 is our flagship aircraft and it is fitting that we mark the occasion of the country's National Day by operating this one-of-a-kind aircraft into Riyadh," said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.

The A380 has been operational between Jeddah and Dubai since February 2010, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers in both directions. The popular aircraft boasts 14 private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats with ice Digital Widescreen in Economy Class.

"The superior A380 product is an excellent fit for discerning Saudi travellers and our customers in Riyadh are eager to try the award-winning service for themselves. King Khalid International Airport is well equipped to handle the A380 and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure next week's one-off operation is successful," said Khoory.

Emirates flight EK817 will depart Dubai at 16:55 on 23rd September and will arrive in Riyadh at 17:45 the same day. The return flight, EK818, will depart Riyadh on 23rd September at 20:45 arriving in Dubai at 23:25 the same day. Emirates' A380 will be the first ever superjumbo to touch down at King Khalid International Airport.

With 15 A380s currently in its fleet, Emirates is the largest operator of the environmentally friendly double-decker aircraft, operating services from Dubai to London Heathrow (double-daily), Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Jeddah, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland. Additional A380 destinations that have been announced include; Rome, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg and Munich.