Hundreds of Queenslanders turned out this morning to witness the first regular Airbus A380 flight into Brisbane.

The daily Emirates service from Dubai is set to boost tourism, showcasing the city as a prominent international destination.

Elizabeth Lyons reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Just after 6am flight EK434 made it’s final approach into Brisbane.

At 73 metres long and boasting a wingspan of nearly 80 metres, the A380 measures in as the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft.

It was a perfect landing.

On board nearly 500 can enjoy the superior comfort and flying experience for the same price as regular Emirates flights.

Travel agents welcomed the daily flights.

Heidi Schobel, Flight Centre: “You’d pay the same as you would on any other flight to Auckland, then on to Europe if you want to go through Dubai.”

The service provides a new gateway for overseas travellers to access Queensland’s premier tourism destinations.

Heidi Schobel, Flight Centre: “Having the A380 in Brisbane is putting Brisbane on the map because Sydney has always been the go-to airport so it’s nice to have something like that in Brisbane.”

An additional 2,000 people are expected to fly in and out each week on the Dubai to Brisbane to Auckland route. It is anticipated this will boost visitor expenditure for the state by $23million per year.

A big aircraft bringing in big dollars.

Jann Stuckey, Minister for Tourism: “We can open up the rest of Queensland now to our information visitors and showcase all of the wonderful attractions and destinations we have in Queensland.”

At ten to eight the Airbus rolled back onto the runway and made its first Brisbane departure bound for Auckland.

Elizabeth Lyons, QUT News.