Emirates Brings The A380 Back To Christchurch

Today is an exciting day for lovers of the Airbus A380, which appeared to receive the last rites not so long ago. Dubai-based Emirates has recharged the batteries and put the A380 back on the Sydney to Christchurch route, the only super-jumbo flying across the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

The service between Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC) continues Emirates flight EK412 from Dubai. Today’s flight, operated by a two-year-old Airbus A380, registration A6-EVS and manufacturer serial number 272, departed Dubai International Airport (DXB) yesterday at 11:23. After a flight of 12:49 hours, it touched down in Sydney at 07:11 today before departing to Christchurch at 10:01.

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The final leg across the Tasman, which was also designated EK412, took 2:38 hours and arrived at 14:39. The A380 is scheduled to begin the return journey at 18:20 and arrive back in Dubai, via Sydney, at 05:15. This aircraft is no stranger to New Zealand, as it has operated several services between Dubai and Auckland Airport (AKL) in recent months, as well as regular flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Looking after the spotters

In a nice gesture, Christchurch Airport has recognized the importance of this to the community of A380 lovers by setting up space for planespotters to get those all-important pictures that we all love.

In much the same way that Concorde captivated eyes with its majestic and graceful landings, the sight of the huge A380 elegantly gliding into land is one to behold. So keep your eyes peeled on the internet for when these shots are posted later today.

Photo: Emirates

The A380 is configured to the latest Emirates standards, with first class passengers able to access private suites, the Shower Spa, and the onboard lounge. Emirates divisional vice president Australasia Barry Brown said that the Sydney-Christchurch service was a favorite for travelers between Australia and New Zealand, adding,

“As the only A380 experience between the sister countries across the Trans-Tasman, passengers will be able to take advantage of Emirates’ signature experience, including a superior first and business class offering, plus our highly popular premium economy cabin, one of the best in the air.”

More options for Aussies to get to Dubai

Emirates has also restored its Melbourne Airport (MEL) – Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) service using a Boeing 777-300ER. This is another familiar route to seasoned Emirates customers, both for those heading to Asia and onwards to Dubai and Europe from Australia. Carrying the EK405 flight number, this service is in addition to the two daily nonstop Melbourne – Dubai flights.

Photo: Emirates

​​​​​​​EK405 departs Melbourne at 03:25 and arrives in Singapore at 08:15, which is perfect timing for the plethora of connections in all directions that can be accessed from Changi Airport. For those heading to Dubai, the flight departs SIN at 09:40 and arrives in Dubai at 13:00. The return service departs Dubai at 21:15 and arrives in Singapore at 08:50 before leaving for Melbourne at 10:25 and landing there at 20:35. Brown was equally enthusiastic about the return of this route:

“Our Melbourne-Singapore-Dubai service will offer travellers a strong connection opportunity between two global travel hubs, providing access to substantial leisure and business activities, plus fantastic onward links to and through Dubai.”

Is this your chance to fly on the Emirates A380? Let us know in the comments.