Emirates, the world's largest international airline, has announced:
*Starting July 20, Emirates’ daily EK302/303 flights between Dubai and Shanghai will be operated by the newly refurbished Boeing 777-300ER, with a further upgrade to the airline’s flagship A380 from October 26.
*Meanwhile, the second daily Dubai–Shanghai service, EK304/305, will also be operated by the upgraded Boeing 777.
Back in 2011, Emirates first introduced the A380 to its Beijing route, later expanding to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong—sparking a wave of enthusiasm for flying on the “superjumbo” in China.
Between 2016 and 2019, Shanghai and Guangzhou became the most stable dual A380 hubs in mainland China, serving as major gateways to Europe. The aircraft’s spacious cabin, generous baggage allowance, and luxurious onboard services made it especially popular among business travelers and long-haul transit passengers.
In 2020, all A380 services to mainland China were suspended due to the pandemic, replaced by Boeing 777 aircraft, with limited A380 flights continuing only in regions like Hong Kong.
The return of the A380 to Shanghai marks more than just a fleet upgrade, it reflects renewed confidence in the Chinese market.
Singapore Airlines also recently announced the return of its A380 to the Shanghai–Singapore route from June 23 to August 31.
The near-simultaneous A380 comeback to China by two leading international carriers not only revives memories of premium air travel, but also underscores their strong belief in China’s travel recovery and upscale consumption potential.
