More than 400 passengers from the UK, Germany, Malta, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran were aboard the first Emirates Airline commercial service from Dubai to Australia and New Zealand.

Taking off from its new home, Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, the aircraft flew on to Auckland after landing in Sydney. The service will continue every Monday, Thursday and Saturday before progressing to daily from May 1.

The A380 sets a new milestone in environmental conservation, offering better fuel economy per passenger mile than most hybrid passenger cars.

Onboard shower spas are an industry first, and the aircraft also offers a lounge for First- and Business-Class passengers. It has a three-class configuration (14 seats First, 76 Business and 399 Economy).

The upper deck is dedicated to premium passengers. Toward the front, First-Class passengers have flat-bed, massage-equipped private suites. Business-Class passengers have flat-bed seats all with aisle access.