Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has celebrated its longstanding commitment to South Africa with a spectacular A380 flypast at Emirates Airline Park, marking the first-ever flypast of an A380 in Africa. This historic event not only showcased Emirates’ dedication to the country but also celebrated the return of the airline’s second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, offering travelers more options and enhanced connectivity.
The A380 flypast occurred just before the kick-off of the highly anticipated Springboks vs. All Blacks rugby match, as the aircraft flew at a breathtakingly low altitude of 500 feet over the stadium, thrilling over 62,000 spectators. This impressive display of aviation and sportsmanship reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to South Africa, a partnership that spans nearly three decades.
Enhanced Travel Options and Unmatched In-Flight Experience
The reinstatement of Emirates’ second A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route means passengers can now enjoy even greater flexibility and choice when planning their travels. The newly added service, EK761, departs Dubai at 04:05 and lands in Johannesburg at 10:15. The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 13:25 and arrives in Dubai at 23:45, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations across the Far East, Europe, and the Middle East.
Travelers can benefit from the iconic A380 experience, known for its spacious cabins, luxurious onboard amenities, and award-winning service. From the popular onboard lounge for First and Business Class passengers to the generous economy seating, Emirates’ A380 offers a superior travel experience for all.
Boosting Connectivity and Supporting South Africa’s Tourism and Trade
Emirates’ increased service frequency enhances connectivity between South Africa and over 140 global destinations via its Dubai hub. The airline currently operates 42 weekly flights to South Africa, including routes to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, further supported by partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair. This expanded network facilitates smoother travel for both leisure and business travelers, boosting tourism and trade opportunities for South Africa.
Commitment to South African Rugby and Community Engagement
Emirates is deeply embedded in South African culture, particularly through its strong ties to rugby. As the title sponsor of the Emirates Lions and Emirates Airline Park, as well as a supporter of the Cape Town Sevens, Emirates is a key player in the country’s rugby scene. The airline’s investment in sports not only strengthens its brand presence but also contributes to community engagement and the promotion of South African sports on the global stage.
Afzal Parambil, Country Manager of Southern Africa for Emirates, remarked on the flypast: “This event is a testament to our enduring partnership with South Africa. For almost 30 years, we’ve been committed to offering an outstanding travel experience and seamless global connectivity for our customers. We’re excited to build on this legacy with the return of our second A380 service, which provides even more options for travelers.”
Looking Ahead
As Emirates continues to expand its services in South Africa, the return of the second A380 on the Dubai-Johannesburg route is a significant milestone. It reinforces the airline’s position as a leading carrier in the region, committed to offering unparalleled connectivity, luxury, and service. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or to support their favorite rugby team, passengers can look forward to a world-class travel experience with Emirates.
