Giant New Airport Concourse Specially-Built For Airbus A380 Super-Jumbos Opens In Dubai

A giant new concourse specially-build for Airbus A380 super-jumbos is now fully open in Dubai after weeks of phased-in operations.

The world's biggest passenger aircraft is a double-decker that seats 525 people and is so large some airports have to be adjusted to accommodate it.

The 20-gate concourse, which hosted its inaugural flight on January 2, is part of a wider $7.8 billion expansion plan for Dubai's international airport, which seeks to become the world's busiest by 2015.

The new concourse, formally unveiled on Sunday, is also a boost for the European Airbus consortium in its rivalry with Boeing Co, whose 787 has been grounded since mid-January as investigators examine possible problems in its lithium ion batteries.

The Dubai-based carrier Emirates currently flies 31 A380s and has 59 on order.

During the first month of operations following its inaugural flight on January 2, Concourse A has handled 461,972 pieces of luggage carried on over 2,450 flights serving 589,234 passengers.

Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines, said: 'The full opening of Concourse A is a significant milestone and achievement in supporting and enabling the continued growth of Emirates, and our focus and commitment to being a leader in offering our customers innovative products and services that provides them with an unsurpassed travel experience.

'With a current fleet of 31 A380s and a further 59 on order, Emirates is the largest operator of this aircraft in the world, and it is only fitting that we have a world class facility that meets this need and represents our leadership in this regard.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: 'Much like the opening of Terminal 3 in 2008, the phase in of Concourse A has resulted in the seamless introduction of world-class infrastructure that responds to the rapid growth of Emirates and caters to the needs of its discerning and truly global customer base.

Concourse A is a vital element of our 7.8 billion investment in the continued expansion of Dubai International which will see it become the world's busiest airport for international passenger traffic by the end of 2015.'

Concourse A is part of the Terminal 3 complex built for the use of Emirates, from where its passengers can travel to its network of 21 A380 destinations.

With 11 floors and a total built-up area of 528,000 sqm, Concourse A is connected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via an underground train. Unlike any other airport facility, the First Class and Business Class lounges have dedicated floors that offer direct and convenient access to aircraft boarding gates

The lounges, which extend the entire length of the concourse, are the largest in the world and offer customers fine dining with showcase kitchens, conference rooms, business centres and a Timeless Spa.

Concourse A also offers an enhanced duty free shopping and dining experience featuring a wide variety of globally recognised food and beverage brands.

Concourse A boosts capacity at Dubai International from 60 million to 75 million passengers per year. It is a vital part of Dubai Airports' 7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 which will increase airport capacity to 90 million by 2018.