Emirates launches shortest A380 flight

Emirates is launching the world's shortest A380 flight from Dubai to Muscat a distance of just 340km. From July 1, Emirates will operate the double daily A380 on EK 862/863 and EK864/865 to and from Muscat International Airport (MCT). It says that the new A380 services to Muscat demonstrate its "agile approach to fleet deployment and its commitment to providing an enhanced onboard experience for its passengers." Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Centre, said: “The introduction of the A380 services to Muscat means more of our customers will have the opportunity to experience our industry-leading products onboard, and will also enhance choice and travel preferences as they plan their journeys. Oman is an important destination for Emirates, and we will continue to look at ways to grow our operations in the market to best serve our customers. We thank Muscat International Airport and the government authorities for their support in making the A380 double daily operations happen.” SEE VIDEO: Emirates A380 landing in a hail storm The twice-daily A380 services will replace EK 862/863 and EK 864/865. Emirates morning flight, EK 862, will depart Dubai at 0825hrs, arriving in Muscat at 0940hrs. The return flight, EK 863, will depart Muscat at 1115hrs, arriving in Dubai in the afternoon at 1225hrs. Emirates late afternoon flight EK 864 will depart Dubai at 1610hrs and will arrive in Muscat at 1725hrs. EK 865 will depart Muscat at 1905hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2015hrs. Flight timings will vary slightly with the commencement of the winter schedule in late October. Both A380s flying to Muscat will be operated in a three-class configuration, with 429 seats in Economy Class on the lower deck, as well as 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper deck. Emirates has been flying to Oman since 1993, and today operates three daily services utilising the Boeing 777-300ER between Dubai and Muscat, connecting passengers to over 150 global destinations in the Far East, Europe and the US.