GLASGOW Airport has announced it will be the first hub in Scotland to welcome the world's largest commercial aircraft.

An Airbus A380 will operate a one-off service from Glasgow in April to mark 10 years of Emirates flights from the city to Dubai.

The plane can carry more than 500 people, stands around 24 metres tall and has a wingspan approaching 80 metres. Passengers can have access to private suites, spa treatments and a networking lounge.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said the partnership with Emirates had been one of the airport's biggest successes.

She said: "To bring the A380 to Scotland for the first time will be a hugely significant milestone in our country's aviation history."

More than 2.3 million people have travelled between Glasgow and Dubai since 2004.

Laurie Berryman, Emirates vice president for the UK, said: "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."

Meanwhile, Barrhead Travel has scheduled its first charter flights from Edinburgh Airport with a weekly service to Majorca from June.