Emirates has today resumed daily flagship Airbus A380 service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after more than three years. New Zealand now becomes the first country to exclusively carry Emirates’ four cabin A380.
On Monday (March 27, 2023), Emirates announced the restart of daily flagship Airbus A380 service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney for the first time in over three years. The landmark flight was greeted by a crowd of spectators at Christchurch Airport, who watched as the iconic aircraft taxied through a ceremonial water cannon salute before parking in view of trade, media and VIP guests. The outbound flight, EK 412, departed Dubai at 10:15 and landed in Sydney at 07:00, before departing again at 08:45 and arriving in Christchurch at 13:55 the next day. The return flight, EK 413, will depart Christchurch at 18:20 and arrive in Sydney at 19:40. The final leg departs Sydney at 21:45 and arrives in Dubai at 05:15+1 (all times local). New Zealand now becomes the first country to exclusively carry Emirates’ four cabin A380.
Traveling onboard the first resumed flight to Christchurch, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – Australasia, Barry Brown, 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. Not only has Christchurch again become the smallest city on Emirates’ A380 network, but New Zealand is now the first country on our network to exclusively carry our four cabin A380 and our best product yet. The phenomenal customer response from the moment tickets went on sale, both in and out of Christchurch, speak to a city in high demand.”
Also commenting on the landmark flight arrival, Christchurch’s Mayor, Phil Mauger, said,
“The return of the Emirates A380 service is a great boost for Christchurch and the wider South Island. It shows we’re open for business and welcoming travellers after several years of Covid restrictions. I wish the passengers and crew a warm welcome, and I hope the resumed service is a real success for Emirates.”
Christchurch’s Chief Executive, Justin Watson, added,
“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. After the A380’s inaugural arrival in October 2016, people came to the airport every day to admire and photograph the aircraft. 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 has served New Zealand for 20 years. The restart of service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney complements existing Airbus A380 service between Dubai and Auckland, which resumed in December 2022. Customers inbound to Auckland or Christchurch will also enjoy seamless onward connectivity to 55 cities across Australia and New Zealand with Emirates’ long-standing partner, Qantas. With the return to Christchurch, Emirates SkyCargo will again support the export of 15-18 tonnes of daily goods across the Tasman, including Central Otago cherries, prime New Zealand Lamb, and premium seafood.
Source: Emirates