Tunisia is Emirates' new destination

Continuing its strategy of providing links to the North African region, the Dubai-based airline will serve Tunis five times a week, via Tripoli.

Thrice a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, a modern Airbus A330-200 with the flight number EK 747 will depart Dubai at 09:00 hours, and following a stopover in Tripoli, land in Tunis at 15:20 hours.

The aircraft will be equipped with 12 First, 42 Business and 183 Economy class seats, and 17 tonnes of cargo capacity.

On its return journey, the flight will take off from Tunis-Carthage International Airport at 16:35 hours and touch down at the ultra-modern Dubai International Airport at 01:00 hours the following day.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, EK749 offering 27 Business and 251 Economy Class seats, and almost 14 tonnes of cargo capacity, will depart Dubai at 09:00 hours, arriving in Tunis at 12:55 hours.

Return flight is scheduled to leave Tunis at 14:10 hours and arrive in Dubai at 01:00 hours the following day, after a stopover in Tripoli.

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing forming the key sectors.

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

"I thank the government of Tunisia for giving Emirates an opportunity to serve this beautiful nation. The governments of the U.A.E and the Tunisian Republic have signed a bi-lateral agreement for enhanced economic relations, and I am confident that through our efficient and timely air links, Emirates will support this agreement and boost trade and commerce between the two nations."

Earlier this year, a delegation of Tunisian government officials discussed investment opportunities with select corporate and government entities in the U.A.E. The bi-lateral talks are expected to facilitate investments by Dubai-based enterprises in Tunisia's developing seaports, tourism, communications, insurance, power generating stations, water desalination plants and oil refining.

Sheikh Ahmed added, "Trade between the Far East region and Tunisia is on the increase, and Emirates' reliable connections between Africa and the East will add further momentum to the trade process. Emirates' robust presence in the region comprises almost 90 weekly flights to key destinations such as Shanghai, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Seoul, amongst others."