Emirates celebrates sweet taste of Birmingham success

To mark the day, the anniversary flight had a special Midlands flavour - every passenger received a celebratory bar of Emirates-branded chocolate from Midlands confectioners Cadburys.

The Airbus A330 was flown from Dubai to Birmingham by Captain John Brennan, who comes from Birmingham's Marston Green area.

In its first 12 months, Emirates carried almost 120,000 passengers and 5,750,000 kilos of cargo on the Birmingham service.

Tim Clark, Emirates Chief Director (Airline), said: "Exactly a year ago, at the launch of this service, I predicted that the route would flourish. I'm delighted my predictions have been fulfilled -- in fact, it's been our most successful route launch ever.

"As well as providing a direct link to the Gulf's top tourism and commercial capital, it gives Midlanders the opportunity to fly via Dubai to the Indian sub-continent, Africa, Far East and Australia."

Brian Summers, Managing Director, Birmingham International Airport, said: "Congratulations to Emirates on its first anniversary at Birmingham and on a most successful year.

"We are proud to be associated with such a prestigious and successful airline which has made such a significant contribution to the economy of the region."

Mr Clark paid tribute to business and holiday travellers and travel Midlands agents, as well as executives at Birmingham International Airport, for helping Emirates to establish the winning link.