Emirates towers over Newcastle

The airport, scene of the launch of its first ever scheduled long haul service between Dubai and Newcastle last Saturday, unveiled the state-of-the-art tower at a ceremony attended by Emirates Airline president Tim Clark and the Right Honourable Nick Brown, MP, UK government minister for the North East.

The new tower, standing 45 metres high, commands a panoramic view of Newcastle and the surrounding coast and countryside and is being heralded as a new icon for the region.

The Emirates Tower will carry the award-wining airline's logo and today gave VIP guests the perfect view of the incoming Emirates flight EK035.

Mr Clark said today: 'Our sponsorship of this stunning new tower reflects the close co-operation we have enjoyed with Newcastle Airport in the successful launch of our daily service between Newcastle and Dubai.

'This is another first for Emirates and the tower reflects our own vision - modern, innovative, and designed with the customer in mind.'

David Laws, Chief Operating Officer of Newcastle International Airport, said: 'We are delighted that Emirates is joining us in a partnership that supports a modern, progressive future for our operation. It is fitting that such a cutting-edge facility will carry the Emirates name.'

The £8.2 million landmark development stands at twice the height of the Angel of The North and replaces the previous tower which served the airport for 40 years. The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has installed the latest systems making it the one of the most technologically advanced control towers in the UK.