Dubai gets another A380 - this time from Air France

The new service beg an service on December 5 with a daily service departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, adding a new option to the choice already offered by Air France and KLM from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For the 2011-12 winter season, Air France will operate six Airbus A380 aircraft from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, serving five destinations: New York-JFK, Johannesburg, Montreal, Washington and Dubai.

Air France’s A380 can accommodate up to 516 passengers in four classes, including nine in La Premiere on the main deck, 80 in Business on the upper deck, 38 in Premium Voyageur on the upper deck and 389 in Voyageur between the two decks.

Mr. Pierre de Saint-Albin Air France KLM General Manager for the Gulf, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, said: "We are looking forward to serving our clients in the Middle East with the A380 service and offering an even greater range of travel options from Dubai, connecting to the Air France and KLM global system and providing even more comfort and relaxation, all with the differentiating 'Air France touch.' Air France was the first European airline to offer flights on the A380 and the addition of Dubai as a new destination reflects our commitment to our Middle East customers and the importance of the region to Air France KLM.”

Rich Talian, Senior vice president,strategy, for Dubai Airports.said "We are proud to welcome Air France’s new A380 service  which connects two of the world’s leading A380 hubs. This o ffers a new choice for passengers and is sure to delight customers travelling between Dubai and Paris, and connecting on to the extensive Air France KLM global network.”

Operated by Air France since November 2009, the A380 has a capacity equivalent to a Boeing 777-200ER and an Airbus A340 combined, but with 20% lower operating costs and CO2 emissions. The aircraft’s size and performance are particularly well suited to the Air France network, allowing the company to save between 12 and 15 million euros per aircraft per year while also improving on environmental sustainability.

The new tones and colours on board as well as the “art gallery” discovery space offer the Air France special touch and recall the relaxing atmosphere of the great ocean liners. The Air France A380 also integrates the most advanced noise reduction technology, providing the cabin with a serene and quiet ambience.