Emirates, a global connector of people and places, announced on Wednesday the 22nd of April 2015, that it will operate a one-off A380 flight to Prague on 1 July 2015 in celebration of five successful years in the Czech Republic.
The Prague-Dubai route has experienced great success since its inaugural flight on 1 July 2010, and has since received two upgrades to allow for higher capacities and services for passengers. The route is currently served by a Boeing 777-300ER, and the special Airbus A380 flight, which has an immense capacity of 515 passengers, will serve as a symbolic nod to the sustained demand from Czech passengers.
“The arrival of the A380 to Prague is set to be a landmark event, and we are delighted to be able to provide our Czech customers with an opportunity to experience this iconic aircraft,” said Bořivoj Trejbal, Emirates’ Country Manager for Czech Republic. “Emirates currently has 60 A380s, and we have an additional 80 on order, which makes us the world’s largest operator of this aircraft.”
The incredibly efficient aircraft burns up to 20% less fuel per seat than its nearest competitor, while providing world-class service to those on board. Among the amenities available to all travellers is the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, and free Wi-Fi access. In addition, the A380 boasts unique features in Business and First Class, including the Shower Spa in First Class and the Onboard Lounge for First and Business Class. “We are thrilled to offer for the first time such great services to our Czech customers who have helped us become such a well established airline within the Czech market,” added Trejbal.
In fact, Emirates is so well established on the Czech market that according to a recent study conducted by Frontier Economics, in 2013/2014 alone, the Prague-Dubai route supported an estimated 3,240 jobs (direct, indirect, and induced impacts), equivalent to a GDP impact of €98 million.
Also important to Czech passengers are Emirates 13 “unique” one-stop connections via Dubai – the fifth highest amount of all EU countries. Without Emirates, passengers travelling to cities in destinations such as the Seychelles, Thailand, Australia, and South Africa would have a minimum of two layovers.
The one-off A380 flight will operate as EK 139, departing Dubai at 0905hrs and arriving in Prague at 1325hrs. The return leg will operate as EK 140, departing Prague at 1705hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0050hrs the following day.
Emirates’ impact also extends to the support of Czech businesses and trade through Emirates SkyCargo, as well as to people and their passions through Emirates’ support and sponsorship of the Czech Masters.
