Emirates airline helped National Day celebrations get under way as its Airbus A380 flew into Hong Kong for the first time just hours before a dazzling fireworks display lit up the iconic harbour skyline.
With festivities in full swing across the city, the super-jumbo landed at Hong Kong International Airport to mark the start of its daily A380 service connecting Hong Kong and Dubai, via Bangkok.
EK384 was welcomed by a water canon salute as Hong Kong became the 11th destination on Emirates’ global network to be served by the most environmentally advanced commercial aircraft in the skies.
Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East and Australasia, said: “It was tremendous that our Airbus A380 made its maiden flight to Hong Kong on a day of national celebration.
“Hong Kong is a thriving commercial hub and – along with Greater China – is integral to the future growth of the world economy. This economic strength makes it a key market for Emirates and we are delighted to be bolstering our commitment to the region by bringing our flagship aircraft to Hong Kong.
“The 517-seat double-decker will help meet the growing demand for seats on this route, particularly in Business and First Class, while offering our passengers the chance to enjoy the premium A380 experience.”
The aircraft was also warmly received by Hong Kong International Airport.
Mr Stanley Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “We have a long established relationship with Emirates which goes back to 1991 and the announcement by Emirates that they will operate their Airbus A380 aircraft between Hong Kong and Dubai signifies an important development in our partnership.
“Hong Kong International Airport is already A380 capable, and we are glad to welcome the Emirates A380 aircraft operating to HKIA on National Day.”
Edwin Lau, Emirates’ Vice President, Greater China, added: “This is an exciting time for Emirates in the region with the arrival of the Hong Kong A380 service coming just two months after we launched the super-jumbo service between Dubai and Beijing.
“Having operated on the route for almost two decades, Hong Kong has played an increasingly important role in our global network. In addition to connecting passengers to more than 100 destinations around the world, we disperse a large volume of cargo.
“Each week more than 2300 tonnes of freight is transported by Emirates across the belly-hold capacity of 14 passenger flights and 19 dedicated freighter services operated by Emirates SkyCargo,” added Mr Lau, who presented a commemorative model of the iconic aircraft to Mr Norman Lo, Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, and Mr Stephen Kwok, Assistant Director-General, Air Services.
The new A380 service will depart Dubai at 03:15 hrs, arrive in Bangkok at 12:25 hrs before departing at 13:45 hrs for a 17:40 hrs arrival in Hong Kong. It will return as EK385, departing Hong Kong at 22:25 hrs, arriving in Thailand at 00:05 hrs the next day before departing at 01:25 hrs and arriving in Dubai at 04:30 hrs.
Double Delight in Hong Kong as Emirates’ A380 Touches Down on National Day
