Emirates introduces retrofitted A380s on Manchester and Milan routes

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Emirates introduces retrofitted A380s on Manchester and Milan routes

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Emirates A380s | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 16, 2025

Emirates is set to enhance its fleet by introducing retrofitted Airbus A380 aircraft on routes to Manchester and Milan. This announcement follows the airline's decision to expand the use of these aircraft, which will now fly to a total of 19 destinations globally.

The airline revealed that flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Manchester Airport (MAN) will start on June 6, while flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) will begin on July 1. There is a possibility that the retrofitted aircraft could commence service to Milan earlier if retrofitting progresses swiftly. The routes are currently serviced by A380 aircraft operating daily as flights EK17/EK18 for Manchester and EK91/92 for Milan.

Highlighting the benefits of its retrofitted A380s, Emirates noted that the introduction of these aircraft to Manchester will boost its premium economy seats to the UK to nearly 5,000 weekly from June. This move complements the existing four daily retrofitted A380 flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and services to Edinburgh and London Stansted.

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An Emirates spokesperson confirmed, “Milan will become Emirates’ second Italian gateway to offer the airline’s latest cabins and Premium Economy seats following the planned deployment of the airline’s A350 to Bologna later in June.”

By July, passengers flying from Manchester and Milan on the A380s will enjoy four-class seating on routes to key destinations in Australasia and Asia, via Dubai. This expansion of services underscores Emirates' commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

According to aviation analytics from Cirium's Diio Mi airline planning tool, the retrofitted A380s, configured with multiple seat classes, are expected to operate 157 weekly flights to various destinations, including a one-stop flight from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based airline emphasized the unique features of its premium economy cabin, citing the comfortable seats and onboard amenities.

Tim Clark, the President of Emirates, emphasized the new class's unique offerings on May 9, 2022, when the airline unveiled its full premium economy product. At that time, he noted the attention to detail distinguishing the class within the industry.

The first retrofitted A380 service operated by Emirates took place on January 6, 2023, with the expanded retrofit program now set to include a significant number of A380 and 777 aircraft by May 2024.