Emirates launches daily A380 flight to Frankfurt

With the addition of Frankfurt, Emirates now serves 30 global destinations with the A380. Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ executive vice president and chief commercial officer arrived on the launch flight, said: “We are proud to fly our A380 to one of the key aviation hubs in Europe. The financial capital of Germany continues to be a significant point for us so it is only fitting for us to operate our flagship product to the city. Emirates has redefined travel with its A380. First and Business Class passengers have access to the Onboard Lounge, which has become a popular gathering place for passengers at 40,000 feet. On the ground, they can access our world-class lounges and benefit from Chauffer Drive Services to and from the airport. The 14 First Class suites available on our A380 give discerning travellers the time and space to relax with a host of thoughtful luxury touches. Travellers in all classes can use the on-board Wi-Fi, and be entertained by the award-winning ice system with over 1,800 channels of inflight entertainment on demand.” 

Antinori added: “Deploying larger capacity aircraft like the A380 is fundamental to helping us meet growing passenger demand between this dynamic economic region and the evolving economies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, through efficient connections via our Dubai hub. The positive effects of more inbound tourism from the Middle East, Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions into Frankfurt will also be demonstrated with the arrival of the A380, based on our experience when we introduced the aircraft to Munich. With over 500 passengers on board, the inaugural Emirates A380 flight EK45 was led by Captain Gaetan Herkens and German First Officer Alexander Braun, who proudly waved the regional state flag of Hesse upon arrival.” 

Dr. Stefan Schulte, chairman of the executive board of Fraport said: “Emirates’ decision to upgrade one of its three daily flights from Frankfurt with an A380 service represents another milestone for Frankfurt Airport. We were amongst the very first airports ever to be ready for the Airbus A380. The operation of the latest generation of wide-bodied aircraft at our airport further strengthens our role as international air traffic hub. We thank Emirates for the long-standing partnership and look forward to daily welcome the airline’s flagship at Frankfurt.” 

State secretary for European Affairs Mark Weinmeister said: “Rhein-Main Airport is for many non-European countries the gateway to our continent. The airport has an outstanding international position as hub for air traffic and logistics. The state government of Hesse clearly sees the decision to operate the Emirates A380 as a signal for Frankfurt as important aviation hub in Europe." 

Emirates’ growing A380 network means travellers from Frankfurt wishing to visit destinations such as Mauritius, Mumbai, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai or Sydney, now have the chance to experience a seamless Emirates A380 experience connecting through Dubai. 

The 519 seat A380 deployed on the Frankfurt to Dubai route offers 14 Private Suites in First Class, 76 full-flat bed seats in Business Class and 429 seats in Economy Class. Flight EK45 leaves Dubai at 0825hrs and lands at Frankfurt Airport at 1315hrs. The return flight EK46 departs Frankfurt at 1520hrs and arrives back at Concourse A, the home of the Emirates A380 and the world's first purpose-built facility for the aircraft at Dubai International Airport at 2335hrs.