Emirates is set to become the ‘Official Airline Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon’ just days before the Grand Slam event opens in London on July 1, 2024.??

The unique livery painted across the Emirates Airbus A380 features the iconic Wimbledon logo, placed in between two sporting silhouettes in action with the words ‘Official Partner’ set out in bold white lettering.  

The superjumbo will arrive at London-Heathrow Airport (LHW) on July 1, 2024. It will wear its new colors for the whole duration of the tournament, which ends on July 14, 2024. 

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious events on the global sports calendar and we’re thrilled to celebrate our first year as the Official Airline Partner. We have a unique opportunity to strengthen our enduring connection with tennis fans, including the many amongst our global customers. In our debut year of partnering with Wimbledon, our message to tennis fans will be big and bold.”???

Clark added: “We look forward to showcasing some of the iconic Wimbledon experiences to our customers onboard, and also to bringing our renowned Emirates brand experience to The Championships at .”???

While the professional tennis players compete on the club’s iconic grass courts in SW19, the Emirates A380 will jet off between Manchester, Washington., Paris, New York, Casablanca, Zurich, Brisbane, Barcelona and Perth. 

Representatives of Emirates will also be present at the tournament itself, providing a variety of activities to keep fans of all ages entertained and dishing out exclusive giveaways to the lucky few.  

Throughout July, Emirates flights between Dubai and the UK will feature snacks and food inspired by Wimbledon.  

Economy and premium economy class passengers will be able to enjoy cream cheese mousse, strawberry compote, hazelnut streusel and strawberry cheesecake. 

First and business class passengers can indulge in strawberries and cream, pastries, and lemon strawberry cupcakes featuring a Championships logo dessert topper, while Pimm’s cocktails will be served in the A380 onboard lounge. 

There will be tennis-branded beverage coasters and headrests across the different cabins, and first-class guests will also be gifted Emirates-branded Wimbledon 2024 towels. 

Emirates currently serves the UK with 133 weekly flights across seven airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Newcastle (NCL) and Glasgow (GLA) with a fleet mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. 

From November 2024, Emirates will also restart flights between Dubai and Edinburgh with a daily A350 service.???

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• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

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The Emirates Airbus A380, registered A6-EOS, was last operational in March 2020 and was moved into storage in August 2020.?

According to flightradar.com, A6-EOS commenced its commercial reintroduction flight from Dubai Airport on May 8, 2024, at 08:20 local time. 

The Emirates A380 is due to arrive at Birmingham International Airport (BHX) in the United Kingdom (UK) later that day at 12:25 local time.?

2/5 台湾桃園国際空港
エミレーツ航空
A388 A6-EOS Expo 2020 Mobility塗装

— かじゅじゅ。(すぬーぴー) (@chita_hanto_moe)

On May 1, 2024, A6-EOS completed a two hour and 33-minute test flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB).  

The Emirates A380 circled the Persian Gulf before returning to Emirates global hub in Dubai.  

Following the pandemic outbreak Emirates was forced to ground its entire Airbus A380 fleet and it was unclear whether the airline would operate the superjumbo ever again.  

However, its future is looking much brighter with Emirates investing in the long-term operational future of the jet.??

On May 7, 2024, Emirates announced it would be completely refurbishing another 43 A380s, along with 28 Boeing 777s. 

“We’re topping up our multi-billion-dollar investment in the retrofit program to introduce cutting-edge cabin products on more of our A380s and Boeing 777s, demonstrating a clear commitment to elevating the customer experience with a best-in-class suite of products across every cabin,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.?

Emirates to refurbish a further 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-07

The Dubai-based airline has retrofitted 22 A380 aircraft so far. The first Boeing 777 will undergo an interior refresh in July 2024. 

Emirates said that each Boeing 777 aircraft will take approximately two weeks to refurbish before entering service. Plans include the refurbishment of the First Class cabin, brand new Business Class seats making a debut on the aircraft in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration, in addition to 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats.

Along with the addition of the Premium Economy cabin, the Emirates Boeing 777 will be configured with 332 seats in four classes, featuring eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class seats, and 260 Economy Class seats. 

According to Emirates, 50 Economy seats will be removed in order to make room for the new Premium Economy cabin.

Retrofit work for the Emirates fleet is being managed and executed in-house at the airline’s Engineering Center, with more than 250 project personnel currently working on the project, supported by 31 major partners and suppliers who have set up workshops both in the facility and offsite.

“We’re topping up our multi-billion dollar investment in the retrofit programme to introduce cutting-edge cabin products on more of our A380s and Boeing 777s, demonstrating a clear commitment to elevating the customer experience with a best-in-class suite of products across every cabin,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.

“The addition of more aircraft  fitted with our newest generation seats, updated cabin finishings and a contemporary color palette also marks a significant step in ensuring more customers can consistently experience our premium products across both aircraft types,” Clark added.

Once the last aircraft rolls out of the retrofit program, the airline will have installed 8,104 next-generation Premium Economy seats, 1,894 refreshed First Class suites, 11,182 upgraded Business Class seats and 21,814 Economy Class seats.?

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• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-05-06

According to Russian outlet Interfax, the vehicle, which is used to transport drinking water, crashed into the Emirates Airbus A380 after he suffered a sudden deterioration in his health while driving.??

Additional media organizations commented that the 59-year-old male vehicle driver was left paralyzed after having a stroke before impacting with the aircraft and was subsequently rushed to hospital.?

Photos from the scene show the airport vehicle wedged beneath the Emirates Airbus A380 while the fuselage on the aircraft’s underbelly has been sheared open.  

The Emirates A380 superjumbo, registered A6-EDM, was due to depart Moscow for Dubai International Airport (DXB) on March 28, 2024, at 16:25 local time but was subsequently canceled following the incident. 

The Russian Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office in Moscow is leading the investigation and confirmed that the damage sustained by the A380 is being assessed.  

“After all the circumstances of this incident have been clarified, the actions of the airport workers will be assessed, and if there are grounds, prosecutorial response measures will be taken,” the Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office said.?

Dubai has maintained good relations with Russia since Ukraine was invaded in 2022 and has continued to operate flights to and from the country.  

However, sanctions imposed on Russia could pose difficulties on Emirates ability to mend the aircraft without access to replacement parts. 

“During the servicing of flight EK134, aircraft 380-800 was damaged. There were no passengers on the aircraft. At the moment, the aircraft is suspended from flights and its technical condition is being assessed,” said in a statement following the accident.??

The airline added: “All affected passengers have been rebooked on a later Emirates flight. Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused, the safety of its passengers and crew is of paramount importance.”?

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• Aviation
• Aviation in Africa

byLuke Peters

2024-03-28

Emirates said passengers across all classes will be treated to brownies or mini red velvet cupcakes adorned with hearts in a mini gift box, while the aircraft is lit with red mood lighting.

The A380 Onboard Lounges will be serving pink and red love cupcakes, and first class customers will be welcomed on board with a glass of Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008, and business class customers with Mo?t & Chandon Rosé Impérial.

The airline has also made sure that its in-flight entertainment is not short on romance. 

Feel-good movies, such as romantic drama ‘Past Lives’ starring Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, nominated for two 2024 Academy Awards? including Best Picture, will be available onboard.  More than 90 romantic comedies and dramas are available, including new releases like ‘Craft Me a Romance’ and ‘Ageless Love’ and all-time classics such as ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘The Way We Were’ and ‘The Notebook’.

Emirates also said passengers can enjoy listening to “seductive soundtracks”,  such as love songs by Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, and Roberta Flack.

All Emirates lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB) will offer à la carte and buffet appetizers and main courses. First class customers will be offered passionfruit pavlova with Chantilly cream and an array of red-hued mocktails and cocktails, while business class customers will be served lemon Valentine’s verbena cake, a strawberry and yuzu Valentine’s tartlet or a fragrant hibiscus, strawberry, and almond mousse. 

Both first and business class passengers can visit Emirates’ dedicated old-fashioned ice cream cart to enjoy homemade strawberry cheesecake ice cream and raspberry and rose sorbet. Complimentary Costa Coffee cafés are located in the lounges and will serve heart-shaped donuts and chocolates, while Dilmah offers a special Valentine’s blend iced tea.

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• Civil Aviation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-02-13

The upgraded service will begin by June 1, 2024, and will replace the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently operating the route. The airline anticipates an increase of 910 seats weekly with the bigger aircraft in service.

In 2023, Emirates celebrated 20 years of serving the route between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and KIX Airport, carrying more than 220,000 passengers on over 360 flights during the year.

The Osaka service on the A380 will feature 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 56 seats in Premium Economy Class and 338 seats in Economy Class.

Emirates launched its Premium Economy product on the Dubai-Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) route in December 2023 and, according to the airline, it has garnered great interest from customers.

“Since Premium Economy’s debut on our Dubai/Narita flights, the response has been extremely positive and encouraging for us. This accomplishment exemplifies our dedication to providing our Japanese travelers with an expanded array of choices, as they plan their journeys, ensuring service excellence and a comfortable yet seamless travel experience,” Satish Sethi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Japan said in a press statement. 

In 2023, Emirates announced the resumption of its chauffeur-drive service in Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) for the airline’s First and Business Class customers. The airline also introduced a complimentary shuttle bus service for Economy customers from HND airport to major train stations Tokyo and Shinagawa.

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• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-01-19

Beginning October 2024, the Dubai-based carrier will upgrade its second daily flight between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Brisbane Airport (BNE) – flight numbers EK430/431 – to its signature A380 aircraft.

The A380 Brisbane service will operate on the following schedule:

EK430: depart Dubai 02:30 local time, arrive in Brisbane 22:00 local time

EK431: depart Brisbane 01:55 local time, arrive in Dubai at 10:05 local time

Starting December 1, 2024, Emirates will resume its second daily flight to Perth International Airport (PER) using the airline’s fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

It will operate on the following schedule:

EK424: depart Dubai at 09:15 local time, arrive in Perth at 00:05 the following day. 

EK425: depart Perth at 06:00 local time, arrive Dubai at 13:10 

 “We’re pleased to offer more choices and opportunities for Australians traveling from Brisbane and Perth through the ramp up of our operations. It’s a demonstration of the importance of both gateways for tourism and trade, and Emirates’ commitment to ensure convenient schedules and comfortable connections to and through Dubai,” Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates said in a statement.

Brown continued: “Whether it’s the advantage of seamless afternoon connections from Dubai to a wealth of destinations across Europe on the second Perth flight, or a full A380 experience to and from Brisbane to close to 50 cities served by our flagship, we’re creating access to diverse opportunities for business, leisure, culture, and more.”

Emirates doubles hugely successful A380 premium economy service to Melbourne

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-01-23

From February 1, 2024, Emirates will increase the premium economy service between Melbourne and Dubai on flights EK408 and EK409.?

Premium economy seating has been available on the daily EK406 and EK407 services for just under a year but with 80% load factors Emirates believes there is room for more growth.  

The latest development means Emirates now offers close to 800 weekly premium economy seats between Melbourne and its Dubai hub.  

The added premium economy service means that the airline will be serving Australia with close to 3,200 seats, including two daily services from Sydney and two daily services from Melbourne.??

The introduction of a premium economy service to Sydney in August 2022 and then Melbourne the following year has gone so well that Emirates forecasts more than 90,000 passengers flying to and from Australia will opt for the new cabin experience.   

“As one of the most important markets in our global network, we are committed to offering Australians not only greater connectivity but also more choice and differentiated offerings,” Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, said. “With the extraordinary success of the premium economy cabin so far in Australia, the additional premium economy service in Melbourne will give more customers the opportunity to experience our unique premium products.”     

The introduction of the additional premium economy service to Melbourne is part of Emirates’ multi-million dollar retrofit program. 

A total of 126 aircraft, including 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, will be fitted out with premium economy cabins.  

Currently, 22 A380s flying across the network have been fitted with the new cabins.?

Emirates showcases A380 premium economy product at Tokyo Narita Airport

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-01-19

The demonstration comes after Emirates deployed its signature A380 aircraft on its Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Narita route in November 2023. 

On December 20, 2023, the Dubai-based carrier began introducing its premium economy service to its A380 Narita flights.

The product demonstration allowed Emirates’ trade partners and media guests an up-close and personal experience with the airline’s latest product, as well as its enhanced First and Business Class cabins.

“Since Premium Economy’s debut on our Dubai/Narita flights, the response has been extremely positive and encouraging for us. This accomplishment exemplifies our dedication to providing our Japanese travelers with an expanded array of choices, as they plan their journeys, ensuring service excellence and a comfortable yet seamless travel experience,” Satish Sethi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Japan said in a press statement. 

Sethi added: “Emirates Premium Economy has elevated the standards of travel and has taken this cabin’s competitive edge to new heights with its meticulous design and industry-leading service quality.”

Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin is situated at the forefront of the main deck, with 56 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Customers on Premium Economy can travel in a spacious setting complemented by tailored features such as in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table.

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• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-09-29

In a statement on January 9, 2024, Emirates said over a special winter period it will use an Airbus A380 instead of a Boeing 777-300ER to fly between Dubai and Vienna on some flights.?

From February 21, 2024, until March 30, 2024, flights EK127 and EK128 will be upgraded to a three-class A380 aircraft, to maximize the number of people who can travel to the popular European city at a busy time of year.  

“The deployment of our A380 until the end of the winter schedule is a great milestone for us, which emphasizes the importance of Vienna as a destination and as a departure point. We naturally hope that our flagship will return permanently in the future,” Elisabeth Zauner, Country Manager Emirates Austria, said.  

Emirates Airbus A380 flights to Vienna ceased in August 2022 and currently no other airlines operating the superjumbo fly to the Austrian capital.  

Emirates confirmed that the evening flights EK126 and EK125 will continue to be served as usual with a .? ???

The use of the A380 means that almost 40% more passengers can be transported to Vienna on each flight during the winter period.  

Emirates’ flight EK127 leaves Dubai at 8:55 am and arrives in the Austrian capital at 12:25 pm. The return flight EK128 departs Vienna at 3:10 pm and arrives in Dubai at 11:40 pm.     

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• Aviation Technology and Innovation

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