Emirates A380 touches down in Cairo

Welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute, the A380 flight was led by Egyptian Captain Hesham Essawy and UAE National First Officer Abdullah Alyammahi.

The flight was welcomed by key officials including General Ahmed Maher Geneina - chairman of Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, and Ahmed Fawzy, chairman of Cairo Airport Authority.

Travelling on the flight from Dubai was Adel Al Redha, Emirates' chief operating officer, as well as prominent members from the UAE business community.

Al Redha said: "This day has been in the making for some time, and the Emirates A380's grand debut in Cairo is the culmination of a lot of planning and hard work. We mark a new chapter in our long-relationship with Egypt by bringing our flagship aircraft to the country. We hope to play a part in Egypt's success by supporting trade and tourism, and bringing the country closer to the world. We would like to thank the Egyptian government, the Ministry of Transport and the government authorities who have been invaluable in making Emirates' first A380 service a tremendous success. We look forward to operating the A380 on a scheduled basis to and from Cairo."