Emirates is to introduce Scotland’s first Airbus A380 superjumbo scheduled service.
The double decker aircraft will be deployed from the airport throughout next summer as part of a double-daily service to Dubai.
The world’s largest commercial aircraft enters service at Glasgow airport on April 16 and will operate the summer season until the end of October.
The aircraft will be configured with 14 private suites in first class, 76 flat-bed business class seats and 399 seats in economy.
It is the second time Glasgow airport will welcome the A380 which first visited in April 2014 to celebrate Emirates’ 10th anniversary of serving the city.
Airport managing director Mark Johnston said: “The decision by Emirates to introduce the A380 is not only a huge milestone for Glasgow airport, it marks what is a first in Scottish aviation industry.
“We have forged a valued relationship with Emirates since its inaugural flight in April 2004 and the introduction of Scotland’s first-ever scheduled A380 service represents a major vote of confidence in the city.
“We are currently investing in excess of £8 million in our infrastructure to ensure Glasgow airport is ready to welcome this iconic aircraft when it touches down next April.”
Emirates UK divisional vice president Richard Jewsbury added: “Scotland is a key part of our success in the UK and we are pleased to be bringing the A380 to Glasgow.
“The Emirates A380 is one of the most iconic aircraft in the world and it continues to delight passengers.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Having two flights out of Dubai – one of the world’s largest hub airports – arriving in the city everyday greatly increases Glasgow’s global connectivity, particularly through Emirates’ worldwide route network. Today’s announcement is another positive step in terms of forging greater business links and increasing visitor access from key emerging markets such as China and India.”
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick added: “That Emirates has made this decision demonstrates the success of the double-daily service to Dubai and shows confidence in both Glasgow airport and the city.
“It also further improves an important route offering access to Dubai airport, the biggest global international hub, and in particular grows Glasgow’s access to Asia, which has some of the fastest growing markets in the world.”