Celebrate A380 flights to Taiwan every day – Emirates Europe tickets start from NT$11,380

▲ Emirates A380. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Starting May 1, Emirates officially replaced the Boeing 777-300ER with the A380-800 aircraft on the Taipei–Dubai route, becoming the first airline in Taiwan to operate regular flights with the A380. Emirates also announced that it will launch promotional fares as low as NT$11,380 for Taipei–Europe routes, along with other themed promotions.

Thierry Antinori, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, believes that Taoyuan Airport has upgraded its facilities to accommodate the A380 and is ranked among the top 15 airports in the world. He expressed surprise that Emirates is currently the only airline using the A380 and hopes that this new service will attract more airlines to operate A380s to Taiwan.

▲ Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori (center). (Photo by Reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

Thierry Antinori also noted that both Taipei and Dubai already have well-established tourism appeal. In the two years since Emirates launched its service, it has carried 450,000 passengers between the two cities. In preparation for Expo 2020, Dubai will add 20,000 new hotel rooms, and this year will see the opening of three theme parks, including LEGO and Bollywood. Jaber Mohamed, Emirates Taiwan Regional Manager, mentioned that Taiwan is ideal for shopping, sightseeing, and medical tourism, and the airline will enhance its promotion to help both sides understand each other’s attractions and boost exchanges.

Additionally, Emirates hopes to use Dubai as a hub to increase opportunities for Taiwanese travelers heading westward. Emirates stated that it will offer special fares starting from NT$11,380 for Taipei–Europe routes to celebrate the A380 launch. Furthermore, the first 380 Skywards members in Taiwan to purchase tickets will receive extra mileage. In the future, there will also be special offers on birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions, or options to redeem miles for sports event tickets. (Prices exclude tax)

▲ Since the Taipei–Dubai A380 operates with a two-class configuration, there is no first class or onboard shower facility.

Currently, there are 140 Taiwanese flight attendants and pilots among Emirates staff. The inaugural flight included six Taiwanese cabin crew members, and the aircraft is equipped with a Chinese-language in-flight entertainment system. Regarding the absence of first class on the A380 serving Taiwan, Thierry Antinori explained it was due to seating capacity considerations, but the business class still meets the needs of premium travelers. However, shower facilities are not available during the flight.

Additionally, A380 passengers need to check in at Terminal 1 of Taoyuan Airport and then board at Terminal 2. Emirates stated that since the two terminals are not far apart, no changes will be made to the process.

Emirates A380 Taipei–Dubai
Departs Taipei 23:30, arrives Dubai 05:05
Departs Dubai 04:35, arrives Taipei 16:50