Emirates To Boost Capacity By 26 Per Cent

Emirates has announced plans to add four new destinations to its ever-growing network in the next year and increase frequencies to no fewer than 17 existing destinations.

In total, the four new routes and the increased flights will amount to an increase in total capacity of 26 per cent. They will also provide travellers from the Middle East region with greater choice and flexibility. At the same time, they will enhance Dubai's position as a premier transit point to destinations around the globe.

Emirates, one of the world's fastest-growing international carriers, will launch new services to Kochi (Cochin) on December 2 2002 (subject to Government approval). Kochi will be followed by Lagos (subject to Government approval) on March 31, Moscow on July 1 and Shanghai on August 2 2003. Airbus 330-200 jets, offering a three-class service, will be operated on all four routes.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates' Chairman, said:

“The introduction of these new routes, coupled with our intention to launch services to the US next year, will secure Emirates place as a truly global carrier. Our plans for growth are further underlined by our $15 billion aircraft order book, which includes 22 of the new double-deck Airbus A380s, which will be the world’s largest aircraft when they enter service from 2006."

Flights to Manchester, Bangkok, Munich and Muscat become double daily, while those to Sydney (via Singapore) become daily. Across the network, existing flights will be increased as follows.

Europe

Manchester Daily to double daily service (1 June).
Munich 12 flights weekly to double daily (30 March).
Malta/Tripoli Three flights weekly to four flights a week (1 May).
Paris* Seven flights weekly to 11 flights a week (1 July).
Istanbul Four flights weekly to five flights a week (1 July).

Pacific Rim/Australia

Sydney Four flights weekly to daily service (30 March).
Bangkok 10 flights weekly to double daily (30 March).
Hong Kong 10 flights weekly to 13 flights a week (1 May).

Subcontinent/Africa

Karachi (terminators) 14 flights a week to 21 flights a week (1 July).
Khartoum Three flights weekly to five flights a week (1 May).

Middle East

Tehran 10 flights weekly to 14 flights a week (1 May).
Jeddah* Five flights weekly to six flights a week ( 30 March).
Doha 17 flights weekly to thrice daily (30 March).
Dammam Four flights weekly to five flights a week (30 March).
Muscat Daily to double daily service (1 July).
Sanaa Three flights weekly to five flights a week (1 July).

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* Operations to Kochi and Lagos as well as additional flights to Jeddah and
Paris are subject to government approval.