Historic First Landing of Boeing 747-8 at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is set to witness a historic moment on the evening of January 16 when a Boeing 747-8, the largest commercial aircraft to land at the facility, arrives. The aircraft, operated by Air China and carrying Chinese Premier Li Qiang, will mark a significant milestone in the airport's history. Scheduled to land on Dublin Airport's southern runway, the timing and specifics of the arrival are subject to weather and operational conditions.
Premier Li's arrival in Dublin commences a two-day visit to Ireland, where he will meet with President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. His visit is significant, given the growing relationship between Ireland and China. The Premier and his delegation will depart Dublin Airport on the afternoon of January 17 on the same 747-8 aircraft.
The Boeing 747-8 boasts impressive dimensions with a wingspan of 68 meters and a length of 76 meters, surpassing the size of the previously largest commercial aircraft to land at Dublin Airport, the B747-400. This event is not just a first for Dublin Airport but also adds to its history of hosting notable aircraft, including the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Air Force One.
Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, expressed excitement about this landmark event. He noted that the airport, which celebrates its 84th birthday this week, has witnessed many significant moments, including visits by U.S. Presidents, The Beatles, and several Popes. The arrival of the 747-8 is another testament to Dublin Airport's role as a key international aviation hub.
Dublin Airport's Expansion and Future Plans
Dublin Airport, operated by daa, is undergoing a significant transformation to accommodate future growth and improve passenger experience. A key component of this transformation is the plan to increase the airport's capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually. The development includes a wide range of improvements in facilities and services aimed at enhancing the overall passenger experience while growing the airport sustainably.
A notable aspect of this expansion is the introduction of a new apron, Apron 7, located west of the existing control tower. This development, along with other planned improvements, is part of Dublin Airport's vision to effectively manage growing passenger numbers while maintaining high standards of service and sustainability.
Additionally, daa CEO Kenny Jacobs has announced a 15-point improvement plan focused on enhancing passenger standards at Dublin Airport. This plan includes quicker security times, faster free Wi-Fi, additional seating, new family seating areas, and a mix of new and improved food and beverage options in both terminals. The goal is to ensure that 90% of passengers pass through security in less than 20 minutes during the summer, a target based on the stable performance experienced in the previous year.
These developments at Dublin Airport are aligned with its Vision to 2040, which sets long-term aspirations for infrastructure development, making it one of Europe's leading airports while being respectful of the environment and the local community. This vision underlines daa's commitment to enhancing Dublin Airport as a key driver of Ireland's economy and a primary gateway to the world.
