Manchester airport confirmed today that Emirates is to deploy a second Airbus A380 superjumbo to Dubai from next month.
The move from February 1 will see the airline’s capacity rise by 13% on the route.
It will see Emirates run two A380s and one Boeing 777 a day to its Dubai hub from Manchester.
The introduction of the second daily A380 means that half of Emirates’ 16 daily flights to the UK will be operated by the double decker aircraft.
The A380 is configured with 14 seats in first class, 76 in business and 427 in economy.
Emirates’ UK vice president Laurie Berryman said: “Manchester is the third busiest airport in the UK and demand for flights to Dubai, and beyond, has increased significantly during our 25 years of operating out of the airport.
“The introduction of a second daily A380 aircraft will not only help more leisure and business passengers to travel in and out of Manchester, but also offer them the world-class travel experience that is synonymous with Emirates.”
Manchester Airports Group chief commercial officer, Ken O’Toole, said: “Manchester is the only UK airport outside of London that the A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, flies to.
“Customers will now have the choice of two daily A380 and one Boeing 777 flights, to travel direct from Manchester to Dubai.
“This additional flight confirms Manchester as the northern gateway and highlights the ongoing demand from passengers to fly from Manchester airport. It is testament to the success of our Fly Manchester campaign and the strength the airport offers long-haul carriers.”