Emirates Airbus A380 finally lands in KLIA

EMIRATES ushered in the new year in style as it became the first airline to operate a scheduled Airbus A380 service to Malaysia.

The inaugural flight, EK346 piloted by Malaysian national Captain Kwong Yung Ling arrived at the KL International Airport (KLIA) on Sunday to a traditional welcome of a water cannon salute.

Kwong was accompanied by first officer Abdulaziz Alusaimi from the United Arab Emirates.

The 489-seat A380 departed Dubai at 4.05am and arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 2.55pm, while the return flight departed Kuala Lumpur at 7.30pm and arrived in Dubai at 10.30pm on the same day.

Emirates senior vice-president commercial operations, Far East and Australasia Richard Jewsbury said they had been waiting to start the service here.

“This historic milestone for both Malaysian aviation and Emirates will further strengthen ties between the countries, thus promoting trade and tourism opportunities,” he said.

Jewsbury added they were expanding their network to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in South America from Jan 3 and Dublin, Ireland from Jan 9.