A380 A6-EDA makes its first approach to JFK in New York, August 1, 2008. (Photo by John Musolino)

Emirates will soon begin the world’s first short-haul service using an Airbus A380, flying it across the Arabian peninsula between their hub in Dubai and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The route measures only 1057 mi/919 nm/1701 km. The eastbound flight is scheduled for 2 1/2 hours, while the return trip is scheduled to take 3 hours.

Emirates’ seventh A380, scheduled to be delivered on Sunday, will be fitted with a unique interior configuration, having 27 more economy seats than the airline’s six other super jumbos.

Four-times-weekly service is set to commence on February 1st, and on May 29th will be upped to daily service.