Emirates' Tunisia operations take shape

The world-class airline whose strong presence in Africa includes 82 flights per week to 14 gateways in 12 countries, earlier this year unveiled plans to add another African city to its rapidly-expanding network with five weekly flights to Tunis, the capital city of the Tunisian Republic.

Emirates is currently in the midst of a hectic recruitment programme, which when completed, will see over 20 Tunisians employed in the airline's city, airport and cargo offices. A comprehensive training programme in Tunis and at the airline's headquarters in Dubai awaits the new recruits, to acquaint them with Emirates' world-class standards. Emirates has also appointed as its new Manager for Tunis, Badr Abbas, who in his six-year career with the airline has previously headed Emirates' operations in Cyprus, Yemen and Libya.

The airline's new city office in Tunis will be situated in the posh and up-market Lac area, and will be designed to echo the airline's global standards for superior customer delivery. Located within close proximity of Tunis' business and financial centre, the plush office branded in Emirates' trademark red and off-white colours will house the airline's customer interfacing departments such as Ticketing & Reservations, along with the Manager's office, Sales and Finance departments.

Sufficient counters for First, Business and Economy class passengers, and for members of Skywards, the airline's loyalty programme, will ensure quick and efficient handling of customer requests. The office is scheduled to be ready by end-October.

A high-level delegation is currently in Tunis to host a series of presentations on Emirates Airline, Emirates SkyCargo and Skywards, for the benefit of the city's top travel agents.

Delegation head Nasser Bin Kherbash, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Africa, said: "The start of services to Tunis signals the strengthening of Emirates' North African network, presently comprising Alexandria, Cairo, Casablanca and Tripoli. As long-standing trade partners, the U.A.E. and North Africa have, over the years, witnessed an escalation in trade and commerce with the opening up of the region to foreign investments."

He added: "The recent discussions between the U.A.E. and Tunisian government officials for developing the latter's seaports, tourism, communications, power generating stations and water desalination plants will bolster the bi-lateral partnerships already in place between our two countries. And the enhanced economic relations will be supported by Emirates' efficient and reliable air transport services."

To Tunis, Emirates will operate the modern Airbus A330-200 aircraft in three- and two-class configurations. The wide-bodied, twin-aisle aircraft offers industry-leading comforts including ergonomically designed seats, and personal entertainment systems in all classes.

Passengers can also look forward to menus created by some of the world's top chefs. Choices on offer reflect the culture and preferences of Emirates' international customers. Ethnic cuisine, special meals (23 variations) can also be ordered to meet religious and medical dietary needs.