OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, has announced a second daily A380 service to Zurich, adding 945 seats a week on the route, with 280 in First Class and Business Class. 

Commencing Thursday 1st October 2015, Emirates flights EK85/86, currently operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, will be upgraded to an A380. The first A380 was introduced on the route in January 2014; since then, more than 345,000 passengers have chosen to fly Emirates’ flagship aircraft to and from Zurich. 

“We anticipate that adding a second daily A380 to Zurich will not only enhance the travel experience of our passengers,  but also stimulate trade and tourism between Switzerland, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East," commented  Hubert Frach, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West. "The additional A380 service from Zurich makes it even easier for travellers to enjoy a seamless Emirates A380 experience to key destinations like Mauritius, Bangkok, Shanghai, Sydney or Hong Kong, with just one stop at our hub in Dubai,” added Frach. 

“We are pleased that Emirates decided to operate a second daily A380 to Zurich. It shows a clear commitment to the Swiss market. It also underlines the attractiveness of Zurich Airport, the hub in the heart of Europe”, said Stefan Conrad, COO of Zurich Airport.

Emirates flight EK85 departs Dubai International Airport at 15.45hrs and arrives in Zurich at 20:20hrs. The outbound flight EK86 departs from Zurich at 22:15hrs and arrives in Dubai at 06:25hrs the following day. 

The upgraded service will feature 14 Private Suites in First Class, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class, and 399 comfortable seats in Economy Class. Passengers in all classes will enjoy access to over 2000 channels of films, TV shows, music and games through ice, the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, as well as free Wi-Fi and gourmet cuisine. It will also offer access to the world’s only onboard Shower Spas for First Class passengers and to the Onboard Lounge, where First Class and Business Class passengers can socialise at 40,000 feet. 

As with all Emirates flights, passengers will benefit from a generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business Class and 50 kg in First Class. Passengers travelling in premium cabins will also enjoy Emirates’ dedicated lounge at Zurich Airport as well as Chauffeur-drive service.