Emirates has accelerated the entry-into-service plan for the Airbus A380, with the airline planning to operate an inaugural flight from Dubai to New York Kennedy on 1 August, two months earlier than originally planned.

The airline will take delivery of its first of 58 Engine Alliance GP7200-powered A380s on firm order on 28 July.

It says that on 1 and 3 August it will operate the 489-seater between Dubai and Kennedy on a commercial basis as additional flights to the existing twice-a-day non-stop services operated by Boeing 777-300ERs.

It adds that subsequently the A380 will be deployed on one of the two existing daily flights.

Emirates had previously announced plans to launch A380 commercial services on 1 October on the Dubai-New York route, but has brought this forward following the finalising of the delivery schedule for the first aircraft with Airbus