Emirates unveils major expansion across Asia Pacific

17 flights per week will be added between December 2009 and January 2010, representing 13% growth in seat capacity. Post increase, the airline's operation in Asia Pacific will escalate to 187 flights per week.

Richard Jewsbury, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Far East and Australasia, said:

"The Middle East is one of the few regions that continues to record steady traffic growth, demonstrated by an 8% expansion in passenger demand since the beginning of the year. At the same time, Asian markets are rebounding with reports of resurgent traffic at key airports in the region. We are confident of seeing a recovery soon and are introducing additional capacity to serve the increasing demand."

Echoing this positive sentiment, Dubai International Airport reported its fourth consecutive month of double-digit passenger growth in September 2009, with a 35% jump in traffic from Asia. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport also roared ahead with 22.4% year-on-year growth.

Bangkok

Emirates' fourth daily service to Bangkok comes into effect on 2nd December operated by a state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300 in a three class configuration (12 First, 42 Business and 310 Economy Class seats). The flights will support Thailand's economic recovery by boosting tourist arrivals from Dubai and the larger Middle East - a region the Tourism Authority of Thailand has consistently targeted through multi-million dollar programmes including the recent 'Jump to Amazing Thailand' campaign. The extension of visa fees exemption for Thailand until March 2010 is expected to generate more tourist traffic which will be served by Emirates' additional flights.

Cargo will also receive an impetus. Thai exporters of electronic parts, cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals and perishables, and importers of automotive and machine parts, medical equipment, chemicals and chilled foodstuff stand to benefit from the additional 161 tonnes of capacity introduced per week per direction on the route.

Sydney

Starting 2nd December, the Australian city of Sydney will receive its third-daily Emirates flight on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays. The service will be stepped up to cover Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with effect from 2nd January 2010, bringing Emirates' weekly capacity to 70 flights. The expansion reflects yet another commitment by Emirates in Australia.

The flight's departure from Sydney has been timed to offer 'same day service' to Europe - one of Australia's key outbound markets. The eagerly-anticipated service presents Sydneysiders with the opportunity to have breakfast in Sydney, lunch in Dubai and dinner in Europe.

The additional services combined with Emirates' recent interline agreement with Virgin Blue (offering convenient domestic connections within Australia) means enhanced access for Middle East passengers travelling Down Under, as well as for Australians travelling to Dubai and beyond.

Manila

In December Emirates will enhance its existing EK 332 service to Manila to include Thursdays, and EK 334 to include Mondays. Post expansion the operation will grow from 12 flights a week to 14 flights or a double-daily service on every day of the week. The additional flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering 42 Business and 400 Economy Class seats, as well as 16.7 tonnes of cargo capacity. Filipinos will benefit from the increased access to global markets, as will the country's exporters of aircraft parts, computer parts, electronic components, handicrafts and perishables. The extra flights will also facilitate seamless import of personal and household goods, perfume products, medical equipment and automotive parts into Manila.

Jakarta

The Indonesian capital city will receive an additional Emirates service with effect from 6th December, bringing its total operation to 11 flights per week. The service will operate to Jakarta every Sunday, returning to Dubai the following day. The ultra-modern Emirates' Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two-class configuration of 42 Business and 400 Economy will be used. The additional frequency will enhance connectivity for Indonesia's business and leisure community travelling to Europe, as well as for inbound Middle East tourists visiting the archipelago. The 16.7 tonnes cargo capacity on the flight will facilitate export of fruit, fish, textiles and computer parts.