Emirates Resumes A380 Flights From Sydney To Christchurch

Travelling across the ditch on the world’s largest passenger aircraft will once again return as the most comfortable option, as Emirates plans to resume operating the Airbus A380 between Sydney and Christchurch from next year. While Qantas continues to offer Business Class recliners using the same boring Boeing that you can expect on any domestic Australian flight, Emirates will bring the bling with its international-grade First and Business Class seating and stunning upper deck cocktail lounge.

The daily Emirates superjumbo flight between Sydney and Christchurch is set to resume on the 27th of March 2023. With a scheduled 3 hours and 5 minutes in the air, EK412 from Sydney will depart at 8:45am to arrive in Christchurch at 1:50pm. On the return from Christchurch, EK413 departs at 6:20pm to arrive 3 hours and 20 minutes later at 7:40pm local time in Sydney.

If you’ve been meaning to book a trip to Christchurch, now is your chance to make the journey in style. It’s laughable to think that for the same $900 Business Class price point, travellers can select either a Qantas 737 recliner or Emirates A380 lie-flat bed. Even if you don’t utilise that lie-flat feature, there’s still no comparison between the two products. Emirates offers Business Class passengers direct access to the aisle, an abundance of personal space, fantastic inflight entertainment and your very own mini-bar.

Plus, premium travellers can expect an international-grade Business Class meal, unlike Qantas’ single-tray defrosted offering. There’s also the upper deck cocktail bar at the rear of the jet, a perfect place to enjoy a drink alongside your fellow high flyers.

Although, if you’re after the best possible experience, why not splurge for one of Emirates’ flash First Class suites and even enjoy a shower at 30,000 feet?

The Emirates A380 also offers an indulgent and brand-new Premium Economy cabin.

How Many Points For Emirates First Or Business Class?

As the largest airline in the Middle East and the world’s fourth-largest airline by scheduled passenger kilometres flown, Emirates will bring close to 500 seats on each flight to and from Christchurch. The Gulf Carrier’s trans-Tasman return also brings a huge boost in reward seats for frequent flyers wanting to cash in their Qantas Points or Skywards Miles for a luxury flight in First or Business Class.

Those looking to redeem a Qantas Classic Reward seat would need 64,500 Qantas Points for a one-way redemption in First Class or 43,800 Qantas Points for Business Class. In addition, you will need to pay around A$100 to A$175 in taxes. Check out our latest coverage of the best Qantas credit card offers with huge sign-up bonuses!

If you have an Emirates Skywards account will need 68,500 miles in First Class or 36,000 Skywards Miles for a Saver Business Class redemption.