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Emirates’ A380 service from Perth to Dubai will return on 1 November — one month earlier than originally scheduled.
The decision to upgrade its aircraft from the currently used 777-300 sooner will add an extra 160 seats to the route.
EK420 will depart Dubai at 02:45 and arrive in Perth at 17:20 the same day, while EK421 will depart from Perth at 22:20 and arrive in Dubai at 05:25 the next day.
Emirates currently operates a double daily A380 service to both Sydney and Melbourne and a single daily service to Brisbane.
The airline’s divisional vice president of Australasia, Barry Brown, said the decision was due to “consistently high demand” out of Western Australia.
“We are excited that from November, they will be able to enjoy our flagship A380’s signature amenities, industry-leading products and generous space across all classes once again,” said Brown.
The A380, written off by many pre-COVID-19, is enjoying a renaissance as reduced services increase the need for larger aircraft and the economies of scale they bring.
The Flying Kangaroo had initially intended to keep its 12 A380s mothballed in the California desert until late 2023, but returned the first to service earlier this year. Ten are set to return in total, with two to be scrapped.
Qantas has also refurbished a number of the aircraft with its upper deck now featuring booth-style seating for 10 people, a self-service bar and the ability to order “signature drinks and snacks”.
In September last year, the airline’s chief executive, Alan Joyce, said Australia’s position in the world made it one of the few airlines that could continue to make the super jumbo work.
Speaking with CNN, Joyce said that “pent up demand” in Australia for overseas travel, along with limited available slots of London Heathrow and LAX, meant that Qantas could reasonably fill its A380s.
“When we looked at the research… The desire to travel once the borders open up and it’s safe to do is massive. It’s three times the levels it normally is in Australia,” Joyce said.
“When we look at Australia, we have limited slots at Heathrow, and the A380 helps us meet demand at Heathrow due to its size. And the same to LA.
“There’s a scheduling window, all of our flights leave LA between 10:00 and midnight because of the curfew in Sydney… So you can’t really add frequency, so you might as well have a big aircraft that works.”
