Update Airbus A380 Jumbo Emirates Airlines , landed on schedule NY

DUBAI - The world’s largest passenger jet, Airbus A380 in Emirates Airlines livery, landed on schedule at Dubai International Airport yesterday evening after circling the city in a spectacular show of its imposing splendour as hundreds of admirers and aviation enthusiasts thronged Gate 23 to greet the superjumbo.

The double decker aircraft took off on its historic ferry flight from the German city of Hamburg for its new home in Dubai early yesterday.

At just after 17.46pm, under the command of Chief A380 pilot Captain Abbas Shaban, the magnificent aircraft touched down at Dubai International Airport.

The VIP passenger delegation was headed by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and included Emirates management, senior aerospace executives and international media.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on board the Emirates EK7380 to Dubai, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline and Group said: “Its is an extremely proud day for everybody at Emirates and Airbus and whole world knows today about the Emirates A380.”

Responding to a question about rising fuel costs he added: “Nobody knows when the fuel price will come down but is affecting everybody, we try to hedge against the rises - for sure some carriers will have problems”.

Emirates will receive another 22 aircraft this year and Shaikh Ahmed remains bullish about the outlook, “we have these aircraft coming and we did not buy to park them at the airport - we will continue our expansion.”

Speculation has intensified recently that Emirates maybe interested in an extended version of the A380 - the A380-900 that could potentially accommodate up to 1,000 passengers a point Shaikh Ahmed does not rule out, “we maybe interested who knows,” he added.