Aug 19, Colombo: The addition of the iconic new Airbus A380 Super Jumbo aircraft to the Emirates fleet has provided two Sri Lankans with a unique opportunity to become part of this milestone in the history of the Dubai-based international airline.

Captains Suren Ratwatte and Suhail Hashim, who joined Emirates in 1989, are among the first of the airline’s pilots to fly the brand-new aircraft.

Captain Suren Ratwatte flew the prototype aircraft registered as F-WWDD out of Airbus Industries’ home airfield in Toulouse France on June 18th, while his close friend Captain Suhail Hashim flew the same aircraft the following day.

The two pilots were part of the first batch of Emirates crew to qualify to fly the huge aircraft, now being operated by Emirates between Dubai and New York.