Emirates last night started the first regular Airbus A380 superjumbo service to Scotland.
The 489-passenger aircraft arrived at Glasgow airport to start a daily summer schedule to Dubai.
The new service using the double-deck aircraft will run until September 30. It will then revert to a twice-daily Boeing 777 operation.
Introduction of the three-class A380 coincides with the carrier’s 15th anniversary of flying from Glasgow with more than 4.5 million passengers travelling since 2004.
While an A380 has touched down in Scotland before, this is the first time the aircraft has been in regular service to Scotland.
Emirates UK vice-president Richard Jewsbury said: “Our flagship aircraft continues to capture the imagination of passengers, more than ten years after it first took flight, and they love flying it.
“During its six-month visit to the city, the daily service will give thousands of travellers through Glasgow the chance to experience the best in air travel while enjoying the incredible Emirates features an A380 offers.
“The demand for our services out of Scotland has been very positive and this new service is a fitting way to celebrate Glasgow’s 15th anniversary.”
Glasgow airport managing director Mark Johnston added: “Watching this incredible aircraft touch down on our runway is an experience that will live long in the memories of everyone involved.
“It may have only taken just a few moments for the Emirates A380 to land, but the planning and effort that has gone into bringing this iconic aircraft to Glasgow Airport has been years in the making.
“Emirates’ Glasgow-Dubai service has been a huge success story for Scotland during the last 15 years.
“By investing more than £8 million in upgrading our infrastructure, we are confident Scotland’s busiest long-haul route will continue to flourish thanks to premium service offered by the introduction of the Emirates A380.”
More: Emirates goes large in Glasgow with first A380 service
