A380, 72.7 meters long and capable of carrying 491 passengers, arrives in Taiwan — marking a new milestone in aviation

▲ The A380 aircraft carried passengers to Taoyuan Airport for the first time on July 19. (Photo / Reporter Chen Rui-zhong, same below)

Reported by Reporter Chen Rui-zhong / Taoyuan

The Emirates A380 aircraft with flight number EK366 arrived at Taoyuan International Airport today (July 19) at 16:40 and parked at C2 apron, becoming the first A380 to carry passengers to Taiwan. In addition to the traditional water salute on the runway, Taoyuan Airport also arranged celebratory activities such as lion dances and performances by an indigenous children’s choir to welcome the arrival.

▲ Water salute ceremony celebrating the inaugural flight.

With a fuselage length of 72.73 meters and a wingspan of 79.75 meters, the A380 is currently the world’s largest twin-deck passenger aircraft. This A380 arriving in Taiwan has 14 first-class private suites, 76 business class seats, and 401 economy class seats. Among the three cabin classes on the Emirates A380, there are alsoan onboard barandtwo shower spa roomsavailable for passenger use and relaxation. Passengers can enjoy the ICE in-flight entertainment system with over 2,000 channels, as well as complimentary onboard Wi-Fi during the flight.

▲ The A380 cabin features two spa shower rooms available for first-class passengers.

To welcome the arrival of this aerial giant, Taoyuan Airport General ManagerFei Hong-junstated that Taoyuan Airport has improved numerous hardware and software facilities over the past year, including runway and taxiway renovations, taxi routes, aprons, and waiting lounge spaces. Additionally, to accommodate the A380, a new intelligent double-glazed air bridge at C2 apron has been constructed, and the same will be done for D6 gate in the future. By mid-2016, Taoyuan Airport will have two dedicated A380 parking stands.

▲ Fan Zhi-gu (second from left), Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transportation, and Liu Rong-zhu, Vice President of Emirates for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Guangzhou, jointly witnessed the A380’s inaugural flight to Taipei.

Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of TransportationFan Zhi-gusaid that the arrival of the A380 and several other international airlines indicates that Taoyuan International Airport has reached a new milestone. Liu Rong-zhu, Vice President of Emirates for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Guangzhou, also mentioned that since the launch of the Dubai–Taipei route in 2014, the average load factor has been over 80%, making it a very important route.Emirates also hopes to operate the Taipei–Dubai route with the A380 in 2016.▲ The A380 aircraft has a total of 401 economy class seats.After the A380 arrived at Taoyuan Airport today, Emirates arranged for attendees and media to board the aircraft to view its facilities, and it returned to Dubai at 23:45. In the future, the Taipei–Dubai route will continue to be operated by the 777-300ER.

▲The A380 aircraft is equipped with a total of 401 economy class seats.

After this A380 aircraft arrived at Taoyuan Airport today, Emirates also arranged for attendees and media to board and tour the onboard facilities, returning to Dubai at 23:45. The Taipei–Dubai route will continue to be operated by the 777-300ER in the future.