After more than three years, the flagship Emirates A380 made a historic landing at Christchurch Airport on Monday, heralding the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney.
The outbound EK412 departed Dubai at 10:15 local time, had a brief stopover in Sydney, and landed in Christchurch at 13:55 the following day, New Zealand time.
A crowd of onlookers gathered at the airport’s outer boundary in Christchurch to witness the historic flight. They cheered as the renowned aircraft taxied past a ceremonial water cannon salute and parked in front of trade, media, and VIP visitors at the airport’s international terminal.
Divisional Vice President Australasia, Emirates, Barry Brown, while on the first flight back to Christchurch, said:
“Seeing the water cannon salute after we touched down in the first Emirates A380 flight in more than three years is a reminder of how special the aircraft is to Christchurch, since its first arrival in 2016. The significance of the occasion was also clear on the faces of the other passengers on board, who understood what this service means for Christchurch and connecting it to the world.”
Emirates has increased operations by 31% ASKMs (available seat kilometres/miles) since the beginning of its financial year. The resumption of the Dubai to Christchurch route highlights a contemplated increase in seating capacity across its global network. Passengers on the Emirates A380 continue to be in great demand.
Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, said:
“The return of the Emirates A380 aircraft is a significant moment for Christchurch and the South Island. Resuming the daily service offers South Islanders access from Christchurch Airport to dozens of the world’s most famous cities in the famous Emirates style. The global pandemic paused the service, but today, we welcome the aircraft back, knowing many excited Cantabrians are here to remind the crew and passengers how warm the South Island welcome is.”
Emirates Flight Schedule to Christchurch
The Emirates A380 flight EK 412 departs Dubai at 1015hrs, landing in Sydney at 0700hrs. The aircraft will then continue, taking a departure from Sydney at 0845hrs, landing in Christchurch at 1355hrs. EK 413 will then depart Christchurch at 1820hrs, landing in Sydney at 1940hrs. The last leg of EK 413 will depart at 2145hrs and arrive at 0515hrs local time in Dubai.
The airline’s onboard lounge, first-class suites, shower spa, and award-winning in-flight entertainment system with over 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment are just a few of the signature products that provide customers flying to and from Christchurch with the best experiences possible in the air.
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