The new service from Dubai to Beijing signals the first A380 operation to China by the Dubai-based airline.
The 517-seat A380 will be deployed on the existing EK 306 service that departs Dubai daily at 04:10 hrs, touching down in the Chinese capital city at 15:10 hrs. Return flight EK 307 takes off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 23:55 hrs, landing at Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport at 04:20 hrs the following day.
Tim Clark, President of Emirates airline, noted: “Emirates was the first Middle Eastern airline to establish direct air links with mainland China over seven years ago. Trade between Dubai and China is on a steady rise, recording an average annual growth of 36%. Also, the UAE is expecting a surge in incoming Chinese leisure groups after the Chinese government granted it ‘Approved Destination Status’ last year."
Dubai Travels added that he also said, "Although our A380 will support the growing demand for air travel to and from China through capacity enhancements of almost 50%, it will not be sufficient. We believe China’s blazing economic growth justifies a further expansion in aviation links in the near future.”