Christchurch welcomes back Emirates’ A380

Christchurch welcomes back Emirates’ A380

New Zealand becomes first country to exclusively carry Emirates’ four cabin A380

The Emirates A380 being welcomed with a water cannon salute upon arrival in Christchurch. - Supplied photo

Published: Mon 27 Mar 2023, 12:47 PM

Emirates’ flagship A380 made a landmark touchdown at Christchurch Airport today, marking the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after more than three years.

The special service was greeted by a crowd of spectators at the Christchurch Airport boundary, who watched as the iconic aircraft taxied through a ceremonial water canon salute, before parking in view of trade, media, and VIP guests at the international terminal.

Outbound EK412 left Dubai at 10:15 local time, stopping briefly in Sydney before arriving in Christchurch at 13:55 hours the next day, New Zealand time.

On board the first flight back to Christchurch, Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia, Emirates, said: "Seeing the water cannon salute after we touched down in the first Emirates A380 flight in more than three years is a reminder of how special the aircraft is to Christchurch, since its first arrival in 2016. The significance of the occasion was also clear on the faces of the other passengers on board, who understood what this