My Holiday Expert

Manchester airport will be the first regional base in the world to host services on the A380 "superjumbo" this autumn. Emirates will base one of its A380s at Manchester from September 1 for a daily Dubai service.

The 517-seat A380 will replace the Boeing 777 on the EK018 route, departing Manchester daily at 13.30 to Dubai and onward destinations.

The Manchester services will boost Emirates’ capacity at the airport by an extra 75 seats a day.

Emirates 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.

“Our customers value our commitment to a regional network at a time when other airlines are abandoning them.

“This is a ground-breaking announcement for the airport and its global standing. It is a well-deserved boost for our loyal and growing customer base in the north west.”

Manchester airport's managing director, Andrew Cornish, said the decision was a historic moment for the airport and the north-west region.

“The A380 is as iconic as Concorde and her introduction into Manchester by one of our most important carriers, Emirates, will provide a daily reminder that regional airports can support successful long-haul services,” he said.