Dubai-based carrier Emirates has launched a second daily A380 service to London Gatwick Airport. Responding to increasing passenger demands, Emirates has upgraded its EK15/16 route that was previously operated by a Boeing 777. The route will now fly an A380, adding a total of 318 seats per day and increasing capacity in all three cabins by 11.5 percent.

“We are constantly seeking ways to enhance our services to meet passenger expectations,” says Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, commercial operations west, Hubert Frach. “Demand for the A380 has prompted us to introduce a second daily A380 service to London Gatwick, months ahead of schedule. This strengthens our bid to provide both holidaymakers and business travellers with a world-class travel experience whilst ensuring better seat availability from one of the busiest airports in the UK.”

“Following increasing passenger demand and a strong performance of Emirates first A380 service to Dubai from Gatwick, we welcome the introduction of a second daily A380 service,” adds London Gatwick’s chief executive officer Stewart Wingate. “With the world’s busiest single runway and a constant flow of passengers from London’s southeast, it is important that we offer travellers the best possible connections to worldwide destinations and the new Emirates A380 service allows us to do just that.”

The introduction of a second daily Emirates A380 to London Gatwick is expected to help facilitate increased trade from key destinations in West Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Far East. Leisure travellers will also benefit from the additional capacity which has been introduced well in time for the UK summer.

Emirates’ First Class, Business Class and Skywards Platinum and Gold members will also benefit from access to the largest lounge on the Emirates network located at London Gatwick Airport.

The Emirates A380 offers spacious seating in Economy Class, access to the world’s only onboard Shower Spas for First Class passengers and the Onboard Lounge where First Class and Business Class passengers can socialise at 40,000 feet. Passengers throughout all classes can also enjoy access to over 2,000 channels of films, TV shows, music and games through ice, the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system as well as free WiFi connectivity and gourmet cuisine.

As with all Emirates flights, passengers will benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50kg in First Class. Emirates flight EK15 will depart Dubai International Airport at 0800hrs and arrive in London Gatwick at 1230hrs. The outbound flight, EK16, will depart London Gatwick Airport at 1425hrs and arrive in Dubai at 0025hrs. www.emirates.com