Emirates' A380 celebrates Saudi National Day in Riyadh

The celebratory A380 flight, touched down to a water cannon salute before Captain Ali Kashwani and First Officer Yousuf AlShamsi, both UAE Nationals, waved the Saudi flag from their cockpit windows in honour of the country’s National Day.   The 489 passengers on-board were then welcomed by key officials including; His Excellency Mohammed bin Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Al Anqari, vice president KSA Civil Aviation General Authority and Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates vice president Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“It is fitting that on the occasion of the country’s 81st National Day we have landed our flagship aircraft in the country’s capital. For Emirates our A380 is symbolic of our determination to succeed in much the same way that the Kingdom’s National Day embodies the passion of this great nation. Today’s A380 service to King Khalid International Airport reinforces the strong bond that Emirates shares with Saudi Arabia and we congratulate the country on their National Day” said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates senior vice president, Gulf, Middle East and Iran, who travelled on the flight from Dubai along with a number of key UAE-based officials.

"I deeply thank our brothers in the UAE and Emirates airline for sharing our celebration of Saudi National Day. Emirates' A380 to Riyadh is the first time this incredible aircraft has touched down here and is a unique way of celebrating this important day," said Abdulla Al Tassan, director general of King Khalid International Airport.

On arrival, Emirates and King Khalid International Airport held an airport reception for around 80 VIPs and media. Guests were then invited on a guided tour of the aircraft’s interior.

“Since our first operation to Jeddah in 1989 we have worked closely with the Saudi Government to increase our services, now operating to four gateways across the Kingdom. Cementing our commitment to the country even further we have most recently signed a sponsorship deal with the Zain Saudi Professional League, a sponsorship that reaches the Saudi public through their innate love of football,” added Khoory.

UAE Ambassador, Abdulla Al Tassan with Adil al Ghaith and Abdalla Al Zamani, Emirates Airport manager Riyadh.