Emirates broadens its African network with Lusaka and Harare launch

Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, has extended its reach into Africa with the launch of a new linked flights to Harare and Lusaka. Now flying to 22 points within Africa, Emirates will connect Zambia and Zimbabwe to key markets across Europe, the Far East, Australasia and the Indian Subcontinent.

The Dubai-Lusaka-Harare service operates every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using an A330-200 aircraft in a three class configuration.EK 713 departs Dubai at 0925hrs, arriving in Lusaka at 1450hrs. The onward flights to Harare departs Lusaka at 1620hrs, reaching the Zimbabwean capital at 1720hrs. The return flight leaves Harare at 1920hrs, arriving Lusaka at 2020hrs. It departs Lusaka at 2150hrs, landing in Dubai at 0710hrs the next day.
"Zambia and Zimbabwe are both important emerging business and industrial centres, with economies that are projected to grow by over five per cent annually during the coming years," said Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President Revenue Optimisation & Distribution.
He said, "Emirates' new service will play a significant role in supporting this growth by connecting Lusaka and Harare to our worldwide network, opening new conduits for trade, investment and tourism."
On board today's flight were Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President Revenue Optimisation & Distribution; Jean Luc Grillet, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Africa; Muhammed Riza, Manager Commercial Business Development; Duncan Watson, Emirates Regional Manager Cargo Commercial; The Honourable Given Lubinda, Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs; The Honourable Yamfwa Mukanga, Zambian Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications; The Honourable Fackson Shamenda, Zambian Minister of Tourism; the Honourable Nicholas Goche, Zimbabwean Minister of Transport; Marah Hativagone, Chairperson, Zimbabwean Tourism Council (ZTC); Rueben K. Walobele, Special Assistant to Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Chitalu Kabalika, Aid to Zambian Minister of Transport; Agnes Chaila, Business Development Manager, National Airport Corporation Ltd. (NACL) and Cleophas Mathabire, Aid to the Zimbabwean Minister of Transport.
Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Emirates' inaugural Flight 713 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute.
"Emirates' decision to operate to Lusaka represents new economic doors being opened to our country. The fact that this airline, which is successful on all continents, is entering markets like ours as part of its expansion plans is clear evidence of excellent future prospects for Zambia and Zambians," said the Honourable Given Lubinda, the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Emirates services to Lusaka will be a huge boost to its tourism industry, helping to support the Zambia Tourism Board's target for increasing visitor arrivals by 22.5% to one million visitors in 2012.
The onward connection to Harare, operated by Zimbabwean Captain Ca Busiso Ndlovu, also received a warm welcome at Harare International Airport. Later that evening, leading figures from the travel trade, local businesses and the government attended a gala dinner event which featured performances by local stars Victor Kunonga, Dudu Manhenga and Oliver Tuku.
"The arrival of Emirates flights to Zimbabwe is a very significant development for the market. We welcome the entrance of a truly global airline; with an extensive network, large fleet and great reputation for quality service which will greatly improve choice and connectivity for Zimbabwean travelers," said the Honourable Nicholas Goche, Zimbabwean Minister of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development. "Emirates will bring greater capacity and fare competitiveness, which will certainly lead to traffic growth to and from Zimbabwe."
It is expected that Emirates' flights to Harare will support the Tourism Ministry's projections that the sector will contribute over $5bn to the Zimbabwean economy by 2015. To support the linked service, Emirates will promote Zambia and Zimbabwe's tourism attractions, including Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, game reserves and safaris, in advertising campaigns executed across the airline's global network. Emirates Holidays will also feature eight pages on Zimbabwe and Zambia in its 2012 World of Choice brochure.
With a fleet of 169 aircraft, Emirates is the world's largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator. The airline placed an order for 50 new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at the Dubai Airshow in November, bringing its total order book to 236 aircraft, worth over $84bn at list prices.
Following the launch of Lusaka and Harare, Emirates will start services to Dallas, Texas on 2nd February and Seattle on 1st March, Ho Chi Minh City on 4th June and Barcelona on 3rd July.

Emirates Airline discounts offer up to 30 per cent

Emirates airline has announced a three-day sale offering customers discounts of up to 30 per cent to select destinations across its network.

The Emirates airline intends to maximise available seats on its flights to these destinations during this ‘slow’ period and is hoping that more travelers will take unplanned trips to avail of this offer.

“With less money spent on their flight, our passengers will have more to spend on the ground, perfect for an impromptu trip away,” said Khalid Bel Jaflah, Emirates Vice-President Commercial Sales UAE.

Available on selected return economy and business class tickets to 40 international destinations, the sale is valid for booking from today, Tuesday the February 7th, until Thursday, February 9, 2012.

According to a statement by Emirates, some of the most popular destinations included in this offer are expected to be: London, Dallas, Zurich, Beirut, Bangkok, Karachi, Paris and Mumbai. A number of Emirates’ newest destinations are also included in the offer such as Dallas, Seattle, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

“Whether travelling for leisure or business, our three-day sale provides customers with the opportunity to reach their desired destination for less,” added Bel Jaflah. To avail of this offer, outbound travel must commence on or before 10th June 2012.

Emirates announces triple daily service to Milan

Emirates is driving forward its operations in Europe by announcing a third daily flight to Milan from 1st June, taking to 49 the number of weekly flights offered to Italy.

EK 101 will leave Dubai at 0340hrs and arrive in Milan Malpensa at 0825hrs, ready for business in the city considered the engine room of Italy’s economy and home to the nation’s stock exchange.
The return flight, EK 102, departs Milan at 1110hrs and arrives in Dubai at 1920hrs. The new service will be operated by a 237-seat Airbus A330-200 in a three-class configuration.
“Our European network is growing stronger and stronger and a number of important developments are taking place in Italy,” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, Europe and Russian Federation. “This is another significant investment in the Italian market and we look forward to offering further choice and excellent value for money to travellers and businesses, including the cargo community.”
The extra A330-200 flight brings an additional 15 tonnes of daily cargo capacity to an already active cargo route.

The latest expansion in Italy comes after news that the airline’s Venice flight would go twice daily from 25th March. Launched in 2007, The Venice service remains the only non-stop passenger flight to and from Dubai.

“Our expansion in Europe is particularly significant in these challenging economic times. We are creating and supporting jobs in the travel industry and many other related sectors, while opening up new markets to importers and exporters,” added Obaidalla.
With a fleet of 169 aircraft, Emirates is now flying to 121 destinations, having just launched Dallas, Lusaka and Harare.

Emirates Airline launches direct flight to Vietnam

Emirates Airline, a leading international carrier of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City, starting June 4 this year.

Ho Chi Minh City will be the 124th destination among 68 countries serviced by Emirates Airline.

The carrier will use Airbus 330-200 and Boeing 777-300 ER aircrafts for its flights to Vietnam. Presently it has a fleet of 168 aircrafts, including A380, the world’s largest commercial airplane. Trade between Vietnam and UAE exceeded US$24 million in 2010.