In July 2012, Emirates started operating the flights on the route Dubai - Barcelona. They are honored with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from 360 seats. Shortly after, the route became highly sought after and profitable, Emirates officials saying it was the best route launched in 2012.
One year after the inauguration, Emirates announced that it will fly daily with Airbus A380 in Barcelona, starting with 1 February 2014. It will increase transport capacity by 44%, meaning 2198 of additional seats per week, between the two cities. A380 Emirates will be able to carry up to 517 passengers in a three-class configuration: 14 private apartments in First Class, 76 seats in Business Class and 427 seats in Economy Class.
Below are the flight schedules on the route Dubai - Barcelona - Dubai, operated by A380:
EX185 DXB 07: 40 - 12: 10 BCN Airbus A380 D
EK186 BCN 15: 25 - 00: 45 + 1 DXB Airbus A380 D
On 24 February, on the occasion of Mobile World Congress 2013, Emirates flew with A380 to Barcelona.
Emirates is the largest Airbus A380 aircraft carrier, with 35 of operational aircraft and other 55 in order. A380 Emirates flies to 21 from destinations, and other 4 are on the waiting list: Brisbane from 1 October, Los Angeles from 2 December, Mauritius from 16 December and Zurich from 1 January 2014. Earlier this year, Emirates opened the Concourse A terminal exclusively for Airbus A380 aircraft.