Emirates starts Airbus A380 services in India

Dubai-based Emirates Airlines Tuesday started daily flights between Mumbai and Dubai with the Airbus A380, the world's largest aircraft by capacity.

The airline has thus become the only second international passenger carrier to operate into India with Airbus A380.

The super jumbo can accommodate up to 853 passengers in a single-class configuration and a capacity of 525 passengers in a three-class configuration.

A unique feature on the Emirates A380 is the on-board shower spas for the first class passengers.

"Now our customers on the route can experience the luxury, the quietness and the outstanding service on-board an Emirates A380," said Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean.

Currently, Singapore Airlines' operates services on Airbus A380 aircraft in India from Mumbai and New Delhi.

The services comes after the government in January 2014 allowed Airbus A380 to fly into the country.

Other major international passenger carriers such as Lufthansa have also shown interest in operating A380 aircraft in India on various international routes.

At present only four airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore - have the required infrastructure for handling A380 operations.

Emirates has announced a limited period passengers fares from Mumbai to Dubai starting Rs.17,473 single one way economy fare and Rs.59,214 single business class ticket.

The new service on-board the A380 offers passengers travelling to and from Mumbai a choice of 14 first class suites, 76 lie-flat business class seats on the upper deck and 399 economy class seats in four sections on the main deck.