GLASGOW is set to welcome the world's biggest passenger plane.

A giant Airbus A380, which has an onboard bar as well as a spa, is to touch down at the city's airport in two months' time as part of birthday celebrations.

It is 10 years since the first Emirates flight to Dubai jetted out of Glasgow and airline chiefs plan to celebrate in style by bringing the world's largest commercial aircraft to the city on Thursday, April 10.

They are laying on a special one-off flight to the United Arab Emirates, and Glasgow will be the first airport in Scotland to welcome an A380 - a year after becoming the first in the country to also welcome a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Dubai is a major global travel hub, providing connecting flights to destinations in the Far East, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Emirates operate twice daily flights to the UAE's main city, on the Persian Gulf, and since launching the service have flown 2.3million passengers between Glasgow and Dubai.

Laurie Berryman, the airline's UK vice president, said: "As the largest A380 operator in the world, it is a historic moment to see one of our A380s take flight from Glasgow Airport for the first time.

"Celebrating 10 years in Glasgow is a landmark occasion for us and it demonstrates our continued commitment to Glasgow and Scotland, which is an extremely important passenger and cargo market for Emirates."

Airport boss Amanda McMillan said it will be a "hugely significant milestone" and an "exciting day for passengers", who can expected to pay under £450 for the cheapest return ticket, while those travelling first class will pay more than £3000, but have access to an in-air lounge and spa.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk