Emirates plans to boost capacity on the longest non-stop route in the world between Auckland and Dubai by using a super jumbo A380 later this year.
The airline says it follows the achievement of high load factors on the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft operating the service since its introduction on March 1.
Emirates began regular services on the the 14,200km route using a smaller Boeing 777-200LR in March.
It did use a super jumbo on the inaugural flight as a one-off and said at the time it had plans to build to the higher capacity A380.
The double decker can seat 14 in first class, 76 in business class and 399 in economy class.
Emirates specially fitted out Boeing 777-200LR aircraft for the ultra-longhaul flights, carries up to 266 passengers in three classes.
Emirates president group services, Gary Chapman, said in March there was potential for the A380 to be used regularly on the non-stop route.
"As demand builds, and it's building very strongly, I can see a time when we have the A380 on it."
Emirates president group services, Gary Chapman, said in March there was potential for the A380 to be used regularly on the non-stop route.
"As demand builds, and it's building very strongly, I can see a time when we have the A380 on it."
Grant Bradley
Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the Business Herald