Emirates fortifies presence in South India

Emirates will launch eight flights a week to Bangalore, offering a total weekly capacity of 2108 seats and 120 plus tonnes of cargo in each direction.

To Bangalore, the Dubai-based international airline will operate some of the world's most technologically advanced aircraft - the modern Airbus A330-200 and the larger capacity Boeing 777-200 - in a three class configuration, designed to offer high standards of comfort, luxury and style.

The capital city of Karnataka - Bangalore - will be Emirates' fifth destination in South India, the others being Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. It will also be the 86th destination on Emirates' rapidly expanding network, which includes the start of services to nine new destinations in 2006.

Emirates made its foray in the booming South Indian region in 2000 when it launched services to Chennai. Expanding its presence in this region, the airline subsequently started operating to Hyderabad in 2001; Cochin in 2002; and Thiruvananthapuram in February this year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said:

"I thank the Indian Government and Ministry of Civil Aviation for opening up the Indian skies and giving international airlines such as Emirates an opportunity to commence services to a host of new destinations. By the end of this year, Emirates would have launched services to three new Indian cities including Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and Bangalore and strengthened its presence in the country to eight cities served by 71 flights."

Emirates will promote Bangalore through its worldwide network of offices which spans 56 countries in North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent and Asia-Pacific.

The airline's services will benefit Bangalore's booming Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology industries which will have access to newer markets. Referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore accounts for 35 percent of India's software exports.

Inbound tourism will also receive a major boost as Emirates timely and reliable flight connections will make it easier for international tourists to explore Karnataka's wild game sanctuaries, hill stations, and historical and religious monuments.