Emirates, a global connector of people and places announced today that Frankfurt, the financial epicentre of Germany, will be the next destination slated for its flagship A380 aircraft. The daily A380 service will start on 1st September.
Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Emirates said: ¡°Frankfurt was one of the first European destinations for Emirates and as the financial capital of Germany it continues to be strategically important. Deploying larger capacity aircraft, such as the A380, is central to helping us meet growing passenger demand between one of the Europe¡¯s busiest economic regions and the emerging economies of Asia, Middle East and Africa, through seamless, swift connections via our Dubai hub. The local economy will also derive substantial benefits from tourism growth with the increased number of visitors from the GCC region. We are proud to fly our flagship A380 aircraft to Frankfurt from 1st September and offer our passengers the Emirates on-board Shower Spa experience, our world-renowned on-board Lounge, and an unparalleled 1,700 channels of inflight entertainment across all cabins.¡±
Volker Bouffier, Prime Minister of German State of Hesse commented: ¡°Emirates¡¯ A380 service represents a clear commitment to Frankfurt Airport and its surrounding region facilitating the flow of international tourism and trade. Emirates has connected two strong business regions, the UAE and Hesse, for 27 years. The airline¡¯s triple daily services demonstrate its continued commitment to Frankfurt Airport, the region¡¯s largest employer.¡±
Frankfurt is currently served with a triple daily Boeing 777 operation. From 1st September, EK 45 becomes an A380 flight, leaving Dubai at 0825hrs and arriving in Frankfurt at 1315hrs. The return double-decker flight, EK46, departs Frankfurt at 1520hrs and lands in Dubai at 2335hrs.
Peter Feldmann, Lord Mayor of Frankfurt said: ¡°Frankfurt welcomes the Emirates A380, an aircraft that is partly produced in Germany and that acts as a worldwide ambassador for European top-class engineering. Emirates¡¯ decision to deploy the A380 further strengthens Frankfurt Airport¡¯s position as one of the leading hubs of international aviation.¡°
Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG commented: ¡°Frankfurt was amongst the very first airports ever to be ready for the Airbus A380. The operation of the latest generation of wide-bodied aircraft at our airport further strengthens our role as international air traffic hub. We thank Emirates for the long-standing partnership and look forward to regularly welcome the airline¡¯s flagship at Frankfurt.¡±
With 48 A380s in its fleet, Emirates is the largest operator globally of the Airbus superjumbo, which has carried over 25 million passengers since its launch in 2008. Emirates is also the largest A380 purchaser with 92 pending delivery ¨C a share of the A380 programme which alone is estimated to support approximately 12,000 direct German jobs. German aeronautical businesses contribute to the production of the aircraft¡¯s engines, wings, ice entertainment system, lighting and On-board Shower features, and over €200 million is spent each year by Emirates for the operation and maintenance of these components, according to a study by the Institute of Air Transport and Airport Research (DLR).
Emirates also depends on small and medium sized German suppliers of aircraft products and services for parts like galleys, aircraft upholstery, paints and ground handling equipment worth hundreds of millions of Euros each year.
The A380 is known for its environmental credentials. Its Engine Alliance GP7200 engines are extraordinarily quiet and readily meet strict ICAO Stage Four noise level standards. In fact, the A380 offers the best noise footprint for very large aircraft, and is more than six decibels quieter on departure than the Boeing 747-400. In addition, larger aircraft mean fewer take-offs and landings - in many cases the equivalent of flying up to seven smaller aircraft types, for certain versions of the Emirates A380.
The 519 seat double decker that commences operations to Frankfurt on 1st September also represents a noteworthy advancement in reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Emirates¡¯ A380s contribute to a fleet-wide fuel efficiency that is over 15% better than the IATA global fleet average.
The flagship Emirates A380 continues to rouse customer interest wherever it is deployed. Just last month, over 13,000 people visited the Emirates A380 in display at the ILA Berlin Airshow. On the passenger front, the A380 also continues to deliver strong load factors wherever it flies.
Emirates passengers flying the A380 will have access to a spacious aircraft, will experience a peaceful journey in the world¡¯s quietest long-range jet; can use the on-board Wi-Fi; indulge in world-class food and be entertained by the award-winning ice system with over 1,700 channels of entertainment.
Emirates has redefined the core experience of premium travel. First Class and Business Class passengers will have access to the A380¡¯s on-board Lounge, with space to mingle whilst enjoying world-class delicacies. First Class passengers can experience the aircraft¡¯s on-board signature Shower Spa, with a state-of-the-art German produced shower system, as well as the aircraft¡¯s First Class Private Suites.
Emirates also operates nine freighter flights per week to Frankfurt. Over the last five years, over 191,000 tonnes of cargo have been exported from Frankfurt to Dubai. Main commodities out of Frankfurt include machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and electronic equipment.
After the addition of the A380 to Frankfurt operations, Germany will be the second most served European country by the Emirates A380 after the UK. Munich is also served by a double daily A380 operation.
So far in 2014, Emirates has introduced A380 services to Barcelona, London-Gatwick and Zurich. It will soon launch Kuwait on 16th July, Mumbai on 21st July and Dallas/Fort Worth on 1st October.
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