Emirates' Airbus 380-800, the largest passenger aircraft in the world, will perform the first-ever flight to Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport in the end of October 2018. The flagship aircraft will operate five fights from Dubai to St. Petersburg and back on October 25-29, 2018.

Vadim Besperstov, Emirates' Manager, Russian Federation and CIS, said: "We are pleased to continue to work with Pulkovo St. Petersburg airport and to offer customers departing from the Northern capital of Russia a great travel experience. Emirates' commitment to Pulkovo airport is supported by the airport's hard work and dedication, making the deployment of Emirates A380 flights to St Petersburg in the period from October 25 to 29 possible."

"Pulkovo airport and Emirates have been partners for seven years. The airline has offered innovative products and unique solutions for the tourism market of St. Petersburg on a number of occasions. The arrival of the largest and one of the most technically advanced airplanes in the world will be a truly significant event for the entire North-West of Russia. We are proud that Emirates will be the first airline to fly an A380 to St. Petersburg. I am confident that the passengers will appreciate the highest level of comfort and service and will remember the journey from St. Petersburg to Dubai on this state-of-the-art aicraft for a long time," said Evgeniy Ilyin, Chief Commercial Officer of Northern Capital Gateway, the managing company of Pulkovo Airport.

The Emirates' double-deck wide-body Airbus A380-800 carries a total of 519 passengers in economy, business and first-class cabins. The cabins aboard A380 Emirates include private suites with spa showers in first class, fully flatbed seats in business class, adjustable lighting and additional leg space in economy class, and wi-fi access throughout the plane. The unique interior in champagne hues and dark wood decor create an atmosphere of elegant luxury. The plane has an exclusive onboard lounge with a bar. Passengers in all classes can indulge in the award-winning ice in-flight entertainment system with a choice of up to 3,500 channels on-demand, including Russian content.

To handle an aircraft of this size, the airport must comply with special requirements to airfield infrastructure and have all the necessary technical equipment. Runways, taxiways and airside aprons of Pulkovo Airport are prepared to welcome the aircraft with a wingspan of 80 m and the maximum takeoff weight of over 500 tons. St. Petersburg airport has all the necessary equipment, and the ground handling crew has completed all the necessary training.

Detailed information about the plane and the photos of Emirates A380 are available on the airline's website at https://www.emirates.com/english/experience/our-fleet/a380/.

Contributed by St. Petersburg Airport