Emirates has launched its first non-stop service between Dubai and Auckland, one of the world’s longest scheduled flights, bringing Europe and Africa within just one stop of New Zealand.

To celebrate the milestone, the first service was operated with a double-decker A380 rather than the Boeing 777-200LR that will regularly fly the route.

Emirates’ new service will bring New Zealand much closer to destinations in Europe and the Middle East than at present, with an estimated flight time of just under 16 hours from Dubai to New Zealand and 17 hours, 15 minutes in the other direction.

Joining Mr Chapman onboard the first flight from Dubai were: the New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE, Jeremy Clarke-Watson; and the chief executive of Emirates Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton, returning from pre-America’s Cup yachting held in Oman.

In command on the A380 flight deck today was New Zealander Andrew Duncan Mcfarlane and the cabin crew included several New Zealanders.

The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft that will operate the new, non-stop route are purpose-built for ultra-longhaul flights, carrying up to 266 passengers.