LONDON – Via flight number EK2021, Emirates has followed Qatar Airways in operating its first fully-vaccinated flight, carrying up to 400 customers using its Airbus A380 aircraft.
The carrier has boasted that “in spite of the pandemic, the UAE has maintained its status as a leading global aviation hub and it will continue to grow its position as a hub for passengers and cargo traffic by investing in innovations and close collaborations with all stakeholders”.
Commenting on the news was His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group who expressed the continued support of the vaccination program:
“The UAE’s rapid pace and progress in vaccinating our population is a testament of our leadership’s vision and commitment to safeguard our communities, and manage the pandemic by adopting the appropriate measures to protect both nationals and residents. Today’s flight is a showcase of the combined efforts and dedication of all stakeholders in supporting the vaccination programme, and the implementation of protocols in the past 12 months to ensure a safe travel journey, stimulate passenger traffic and set the groundwork for the ramp up of air travel in the near future. Emirates continues to support the national vaccination programme and we are pleased with the progress made within the group in vaccinating our employees.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group
Also commenting on the news was Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer who thanked the health authorities for their continued support:
“We would like to thank the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Dubai Health Authority, The UAE General Civil Aviation authority (GCAA), Dubai Airports, GRFDA, Dubai Police, Airbus and Pure Health as well as other stakeholders for their close cooperation and support of our special flight.”
Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer
The A380 that operated on this flight also featured the newest A380 aircraft that has the brand new Premium Economy seats onboard as well as the refreshed cabin interiors across every class.
Data provided to AviationSource by AirNav RadarBox shows that the airline operated Dubai to Dubai in a circular/square-based circuit around the country before landing back into the airport.
The aircraft in question was A6-EVN, which was delivered to Emirates in December 2020 and to celebrate the EK2021 flight, a “Choose to Vaccinate” sticker was placed on the jet as well.
