It seems that loads are suffice enough for Emirates to increase capacity between Dubai and Manchester, with a 2nd service to be swapped from two Boeing 777-300ERs and an Airbus A380 to two A380s and one Boeing 777-300ER.
Emirates Airbus A380 preparing to depart – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The EK19/20 rotation will switch from a Boeing 777-300ER to an Airbus A380, with the following timings for the entire Dubai to Manchester operation.
Dubai to Manchester (MAN)
EK021 DEPART DXB 03:00 ARRIVE MAN 07:00 Boeing 777-300ER EK017 DEPART DXB 07:20 ARRIVE MAN 11:20 Airbus A380 EK019 DEPART DXB 14:35 ARRIVE MAN 18:35 Airbus A380 EK19 operates with a Boeing 777-300ER until 31st January 2015 EK19 operates with an Airbus A380 from 1st February 2015
Manchester to Dubai
EK022 DEPART MAN 08:45 ARRIVE DXB 19:45 Boeing 777-300ER EK018 DEPART MAN 13:20 ARRIVE DXB 00:30+1 Airbus A380 EK020 DEPART MAN 20:25 ARRIVE DXB 07:40+1 Airbus A380 EK20 operates with a Boeing 777-300ER until 31st January 2015 EK20 operates with an Airbus A380 from 1st February 2015 Data: Airlineroute
Compared to the 350 seater Boeing 777-300ER, the 527 seater A380 offers more seats in all classes, whilst offering more space in all the classes (including the ubiquitous shower in First class, direct aisle access in Business class, and more seat width in Economy class).
In total, an extra 177 seats each way between the two cities or an extra 1,239 seats a week
The new flights are loaded, and new seats should be available for selection.
With this move, Emirates takes another bite out of British Airways and its minimal regional connections – whilst giving Etihad a run for its money on its competing route to Abu Dhabi, and drives more traffic to its Dubai hub.
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