Emirates to launch Daily Flights to Durban

Following the successful launch of operations to Cape Town, Emirates Airline will soon boost its presence in South Africa with the start of daily flights to Durban, effective 1st December 2008.

The new service – Emirates’ third direct connection between Dubai and South Africa – comes close on the heels of the launch of its third-daily service to Johannesburg in 2007 and daily service to Cape Town in 2008.

First discovered by Vasco de Gama in 1497, Durban lies in the heart of KwaZulu Natal, otherwise known as the Zulu Kingdom, and is a fascinating blend of British, Zulu and Indian history. The Golden Mile developed as a tourist attraction in the 1970s, adds a ‘Miami’ feel to the city of Durban and provides a happy playground for glorious fun in the sun. Enchanting, vibrant and historic - Durban promises an ideal family vacation with luxury resorts, glorious beaches and green country treats.

Durban’s advantageous location on the east coast of South Africa makes it a natural hub for trade with the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific countries, boosting its status as Africa's largest port and the world’s ninth busiest. Currently handling 50% of the country’s break-bulk cargo and 65% of its containerised traffic, Durban will play a catalytic role in strengthening trade movement between the UAE and South Africa.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “Africa is key to Emirates’ global network expansion strategy. We currently operate 86 flights per week to 15 African gateways and owing to the continent’s growing economy and escalating demand for air travel, these flights operate at robust seat factors of over 80%. Emirates will continue to spread its wings in the African skies.”

Emirates will serve Durban with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft offering 27 Business Class and 251 Economy Class seats. The wide-bodied aircraft also offers almost 14 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity that will facilitate imports of chemicals, petroleum products, and foodstuff from Germany, United Kingdom, China and the United States of America. Metals, minerals, machinery, equipment, agricultural and dairy products figure prominently in South Africa’s list of exported commodities.

The Dubai-Durban flight will cover a distance of over 6,600 kms in 8 hours 40 minutes. EK774 will depart Dubai daily at 04:45 hours and arrive in Durban at 11:25 hours. EK775 will depart Durban at 13:15 hours and arrive in Dubai at 23:45 hours.

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