Emirates Inaugurates New Link To Australia

Emirates’ first flight to Perth, capital of Western Australia and the country’s largest state, commenced earlier this month, bringing its network to 59 cities in 41 countries. 

On board the inaugural, the first non-stop flight between the Gulf and Australia, was Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' Commercial Operations Director, senior airline managers and UAE media. 

The flight marks a new chapter in trade and tourism between the Middle East and Australia, and was met on arrival by Dr Geoff Gallop, Western Australia’s Premier; Alannah McTiernan, Minister for Planning and Infrastructure; airport officials; and an Emirates team including Edward Lim, Area Manager Australia and New Zealand.

Western Australia is rich in minerals and agricultural produce and has superb leisure facilities. Emirates Holidays, the Gulf’s top tour operator, has unveiled special new vacations there, travellers from Europe have a new shortcut to their friends and relatives, and fresh Western Australian foodstuffs can reach Dubai in a day.

Emirates is using a three-class Boeing 777-200 on the route, with 18 First, 49 Business and 236 Economy seats, and able to carry 12 tonnes of cargo. Thanks to strong demand, the first flights are fully booked.

The service leaves Dubai on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2:35am to reach Perth at 5:25pm. Return flights leave Perth at 10:30pm and land at Dubai at 5.40am next morning. Flying time is around 11 hours.