Aer Lingus inaugural flight lands at Dubai International Airport

On behalf of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mr Mohammad Ahli, Deputy Chairman Executive Board and Director Operations, DCA, received the VIP delegation on board the flight.

Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D, Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources, was the head of the delegation.

Speaking on behalf of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mr Mohammad Ahli said:

"I am pleased to be here for the first non US long haul Aer Lingus flight into the region. Today we celebrate having the 112th airline operating through Dubai International Airport, this indeed shows the importance of this international hub. Dubai has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and courtesy and has established global recognition as the 'City of Business and Pleasure'. With the inauguration of this flight, we have opened yet another route to business and tourism development between two nations."

As the first non US long haul destination to be introduced by Aer Lingus, the new service is a significant development for the airline. The service is expected to carry in excess of 70,000 passengers in its first year of operation.

Commenting at the launch of the new route Mr Dempsey said: "We are delighted to offer the first direct route from Ireland to this exciting destination that has so much to offer. Over the last number of years Dubai has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish holiday makers and business travellers alike. Not only will our passengers be able to fly directly to Dubai but our partnership with Emirates will also allow Irish passengers the option to travel on to a further 21 destinations in the Southern Hemisphere making long distance travel easier and more accessible for everyoneThe introduction of this new route is further testament to our commitment to develop and improve our long haul services. Our recent purchase of two new long haul aircraft is further evidence of this commitment".