Christchurch to welcome world’s largest passenger aircraft

Christchurch to welcome world’s largest passenger aircraft every day

Christchurch Airport is welcoming today’s announcement Emirates will soon fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft into Christchurch every day.

Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says the addition of the A380 will offer those travelling in and out of the South Island a whole new travel experience.

“The A380 is a double deck, wide body, four engine jet airliner with the renowned luxurious Emirates experience,” he says. “Since it launched in 2007, it has become well known for offering travellers a very comfortable experience on long haul flights.”

Mr Watson says the A380 will fly Christchurch- Sydney- Dubai and onward to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa and 17 in the Middle East, so will give South Islanders even more convenient flight options from their home airport to UK and Europe.

Christchurch Airport is seeing record international visitor arrival growth and the A380 will help to grow this further. Long haul international visitors last financial year (FY16) grew 15% year on year into Christchurch, with strong arrivals growth from UK and European arrivals. In addition, holiday arrivals from Australia are now also growing strongly, with our 18 % increase in July being the highest of any New Zealand airport.

The plane will land just before 2pm daily and depart at 6.45pm.

“We are well aware it’s not just travellers, but people with an interest in aviation and many members of the general public, who will welcome this exciting news and want to watch this magnificent aircraft come and go from their airport. We are working on a suitable welcome for the first A380 – so watch this space.”

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