EMIRATES is on track to operate its new A380s flying non stop from Dubai to New York on October 1, from London Heathrow on December 1, and Sydney-Auckland on February 1, 2009.
Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said, “Our A380s will take to the skies in late summer, signalling an end to our long wait and ushering in a new era for Emirates. We have played an integral role during the design and development stage to tow the aircraft from the drawing board to the production line, and we look forward to bringing them into commercial service.”
Emirates will take delivery of five A380s this year. Other configurations in the A380 fleet will feature a medium range three class 517 seater; and a medium range two class aircraft with 604 seats.
With a route network that currently spans over 90 destinations in 62 countries, Emirates launched services to Cape Town on March 30. It will also introduce services to Kozhikode (Calicut) from July 1, and a the same time offer four times a week non stop flight to the ancient city of Guangzhou. Beginning October 1, Emirates will fly the route five times a week.
Guangzhou (IATA code: CAN) will be Emirates’ fourth gateway in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said, “Guangzhou is a vital link in our strategic plans for both China and the Asia-Pacific region. The city has been on our radar for some time as it is the heartbeat of the Guangdong Province and hums with its political, socio-economic, scientific, educational and cultural life. Guangzhou serves as an air travel hub for Guangdong and the South China provinces, which significantly expands our span and reach.
“The Emirates Group is no stranger to Guangzhou, as through our subsidiary in Singapore, Changi International Airport Services, we hold a 20 per cent stake in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Handling Co, which provides ground handling services at the airport.”
On September 1 this year Emirates will open its third US gateway with non stop flights between the Californian city of Los Angeles and Dubai. Operating daily, the service will be the first non-stop operation connecting Dubai to LA. Emirates will fly its Boeing 777-200LR on the route, offering 266 seats in a three class configuration and will provide up to 10 tonnes of cargo capacity from LA.