Regional airport to host superjumbo service

A busy UK airport is to become the world's first regional hub to host the globe's biggest passenger plane - the Airbus A380 superjumbo, it was announced.

Dubai-based airline Emirates said it would start operating the 517-passenger A380 from Manchester airport on September 1.

The daily services to and from Dubai will replace the existing Boeing 777 flights between the two destinations.

Emirates Airline president Tim Clark said: "Manchester has been one of the strongest performers in our growing network of regional gateways, not only in the UK but globally as well.

"This is a groundbreaking announcement for the airport and its global standing. It is a well-deserved boost for our loyal and growing customer base in north-west England." Manchester airport's managing director Andrew Cornish said: "Emirates' decision represents an historic moment for this airport and the region that we serve.

"We have invested close to £10 million in upgrading the airfield and terminal both to accommodate the aircraft itself and to create a fitting environment for Emirates' customers."

The A380 already flies into Heathrow airport, where Singapore Airlines - launch customer for the double-decker plane - began services in March 2008.

The Singapore carrier first began A380 passenger services with a flight from Singapore to Sydney in October 2007.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways are due to take delivery of their first A380s later this decade.