Emirates' double decker lands in Rome for double celebration

Dubai, June 7, 2011 (WAM) - An Emirates' A380 arrived in Rome yesterday to join celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport, while marking 150 years of Italian unification. It is the first time a superjumbo has landed in Rome. Yesterday’s one-off flight replaces EK 97 and EK 98 - one of two daily services between Dubai and the Italian capital. The aircraft switch enabled passengers to book on the A380 all the way from Auckland to Rome, via the airline's hub in Dubai.
"Bringing an A380 to Rome is an important moment for Emirates and Leonardo da Vinci airport and means another facility can accommodate the aircraft of the future," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe '&' Russian Federation.
"Even three years after we brought the A380 into service, people around the world are still fascinated by this quiet and fuel efficient giant of the skies. It is immensely popular with our passengers and these celebrations - for both the airport and the country - provide an ideal platform to bring the aircraft to Rome." On the flight deck of yesterday's A380 flight to Rome were Captain Hesham Essawy from Egypt and Italian First Officer, Nicola Coviello.
"Emirates' aircraft is the first A380 to arrive in Rome and we are going to celebrate this event as the first Italian airport with the complete operating infrastructure to accommodate the A380. The new loading bridge is a strategic investment for Leonardo da Vinci airport, since the A380 is the best aircraft to cover major and growing markets, as served by Emirates, via Dubai, added Mr Pistola. - Emirates News Agency, WAM