Prospects are bright for tourism development in the Sultanate; moreover, tourism in Oman is becoming an increasingly important industry, with mega projects mushrooming to elevate Oman on the world's tourism map. The government has been actively making efforts to tap tourism's potential, and with improved product development, enhanced funding for tourism, an increase in marketing and promotion, all have facilitated the task and helped to secure good return on investment.
Usama Bin Karim Al Haremi of Oman Air's Corporate Communications and Media informed that Deloitte, one of the world's top accounting and professional services firms announced recently that despite a fall in hotel occupancies in most countries in the Middle East region in 2009, the outlook remains positive as GCC countries are expected to continue economic diversification away from oil based activities and attract significant investments.
Despite the global financial crisis, which ripped many of the world economies, Oman went ahead with the implementation of its tourism plans and programs as per the set timetables. This points out that the crisis did not affect the implementation of the tourism projects in the Sultanate.
A number of tourism projects are currently being implemented which are at various stages, including 12 five-star hotels to be developed in the next four years.
It also aims to increase the number of hotel rooms to 16,000 by 2010 and tourist stay to five million by 2020.
On schedule are the development of three hotels, which are part of the prestigious Salalah Beach project, and a tourism project at Ras Al Had, a joint venture with Al Diyar of Qatar.
Under construction is the Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is expected to have multiplier effects on the economy, giving a fillip to MICE (meetings, events, exhibitions and conferences) market in Oman. The project allows the country to bid for major regional and global business events and meetings.
He also highlighted that Oman, which was the first country in the GCC region to diversify its economy, continues to be dedicated to economic diversification to reduce its dependency on oil-based activities.
Tourism, O’Hanlon added, has been a key pillar of the economy and the continued dedication of the Oman Ministry of Tourism to develop this sector stands unchallenged. The travel and tourism economy is forecasted to expand at an annual rate of 7.8 per cent during the years 2009-19, placing the country in the spotlight in the entire Middle East region, he said.
In this regard, Al Haremi highlighted that Oman Air is continuing to unveil new products and services in a bid to support the country’s tourism growth. The network expansion and Oman’s tourism growth he said are closely linked. The expansion is part of Oman Air plans and strategies to promote and activate tourism movement to the Sultanate, through connecting Muscat to a number of tourism countries and capitals, to make it the destination of choice for tourists in their way from or back home.
Operating direct flights between Muscat and various capitals around the world he added, comes in a bid by the company to promote Muscat and place the Sultanate well on the world tourism map by promoting and marketing the tourism potentials in the different parts and regions of the sultanate.
Al Haremi further affirmed, that the political and economic stability witnessed by the Sultanate since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance and good hospitality, made tourism a constantly growing sector, contributing greatly to the national economy and the development of the Omani society. However, he clarified; the government has given priority to the tourism sector since the beginning of the 1990s.
Usama Bin Karim Al Haremi of Oman Air's Corporate Communications and Media also acknowledged that Euromonitor International's Travel And Tourism in Oman report published in June 2009, highlighted that on a regional front, the Middle East’s investment in travel and tourism is expected to skyrocket over the forecast period, as at least US$1 trillion is to be injected into hotels, resorts, attractions and associated infrastructure between 2007 and 2020. The report mentioned that Oman holds a considerable share of this capital injection, as HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Omani government has allocated an appropriate budget to take the sultanate’s tourism objectives forward. The government’s budgetary efforts were further complemented with the amending of a number of laws and regulations to attract FDI into the vibrant travel and tourism industry, where all such efforts are part of Vision 2020, the report stated.
The findings of a survey conducted by the Ministry of National Economy and the Ministry of Tourism, with technical help from the World Tourism Organisation found that the sector contributed about 3 per cent per annum to Oman’s GDP from 2005 to 2008. The total value of revenue from hotels and restaurants in 2008 reached 164 million rials, with a relative increase of 0.7 per cent. Hotels, restaurants, airlines and travel agencies, tourism and car rental companies and diving clubs increase the sector’s contribution to GDP significantly.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Oman Air launched Lahore muscat flights
Oman Air celebrated its recently launched flights from muscat to Lahore and Islamabad with gala events hosted by the Management of Oman Air. In Islamabad, the occasion was held at Serena Hotel, whereas in Lahore, the Pearl Continental hotel hosted the function. A large number of Arab diplomats and the elite of both the destinations attended the dinner cocktail functions. Leaders of the travel and aviation industries were present too.
He said, “This route reflects Oman Air’s strong commitment to serve the people of Pakistan and provide a direct route from our country to these cities of Pakistan.”
Commenting on the launch of operations, Peter Hill, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer said, “I am very pleased to finally be able to open this route officially. Lahore and Islamabad represents our 36th and 37th destinations respectively, and Oman Air’s second and third destination in Pakistan, after Karachi.
From his side, General Sayed Athar Ali, Secretary of Defense, who attended the event in Islamabad, highlighted in his speech that the relations between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation and Oman Air have touched a great height. Gen. Sayed then commended Oman Air and the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman for their proactive role in enhancing mutual cooperation between Oman and Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer Corporate Affairs said, “Expansion is the growth engine for the Oman Air during the recent years.”
He said that the addition of these two destinations, Islamabad and Lahore, would make Oman Air a pioneer in promoting and enhancing bilateral trade, business and tourism, especially in view of the commonalities between the two countries in terms of cultural heritage, historical exchange and the large representation of Pakistan in Oman’s labour infrastructure.
Earlier, Oman Air’s management held a press conference at the Serna Hotel on launching the two destinations of Islamabad and Lahore. A brief recent historical view and strategic positioning about Oman Air was given by Mr. Philippe Georgiou.
Georgiou stated:
“The new destinations of Islamabad and Lahore would help strengthening the bilateral ties. It is considered to be an invaluable move on behalf of Oman Air and the government of the Sultanate of Oman, especially when the airline industry faces difficult times. Indeed Oman Air has shown great confidence in Pakistan through the addition of these two destinations,” he said.
Addressing the guests and media in Lahore, Philippe Georgiou said that he believed the national carrier of Oman has included the best and latest aircrafts to its fleet. The Sultanate of Oman’s national airline made aviation history with the first successful flight to provide both wireless Internet and cell phone service to passengers. “We provide cutting edge technology because we want to be pioneers in whatever we do. You are fully connected just as you are on the ground, and I would expect the major carriers to follow quickly,” he concluded saying.
He said, “This route reflects Oman Air’s strong commitment to serve the people of Pakistan and provide a direct route from our country to these cities of Pakistan.”
Commenting on the launch of operations, Peter Hill, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer said, “I am very pleased to finally be able to open this route officially. Lahore and Islamabad represents our 36th and 37th destinations respectively, and Oman Air’s second and third destination in Pakistan, after Karachi.
From his side, General Sayed Athar Ali, Secretary of Defense, who attended the event in Islamabad, highlighted in his speech that the relations between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation and Oman Air have touched a great height. Gen. Sayed then commended Oman Air and the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman for their proactive role in enhancing mutual cooperation between Oman and Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Philippe Georgiou, Chief Officer Corporate Affairs said, “Expansion is the growth engine for the Oman Air during the recent years.”
He said that the addition of these two destinations, Islamabad and Lahore, would make Oman Air a pioneer in promoting and enhancing bilateral trade, business and tourism, especially in view of the commonalities between the two countries in terms of cultural heritage, historical exchange and the large representation of Pakistan in Oman’s labour infrastructure.
Earlier, Oman Air’s management held a press conference at the Serna Hotel on launching the two destinations of Islamabad and Lahore. A brief recent historical view and strategic positioning about Oman Air was given by Mr. Philippe Georgiou.
Georgiou stated:
“The new destinations of Islamabad and Lahore would help strengthening the bilateral ties. It is considered to be an invaluable move on behalf of Oman Air and the government of the Sultanate of Oman, especially when the airline industry faces difficult times. Indeed Oman Air has shown great confidence in Pakistan through the addition of these two destinations,” he said.
Addressing the guests and media in Lahore, Philippe Georgiou said that he believed the national carrier of Oman has included the best and latest aircrafts to its fleet. The Sultanate of Oman’s national airline made aviation history with the first successful flight to provide both wireless Internet and cell phone service to passengers. “We provide cutting edge technology because we want to be pioneers in whatever we do. You are fully connected just as you are on the ground, and I would expect the major carriers to follow quickly,” he concluded saying.
Oman Air/Bank Muscat to Offer cobranded credit card
Oman Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank Muscat, the leading Omani financial services provider.
Under the terms of the MoU, Oman Air SAOC and Bank Muscat will work across a range of activities to promote each other’s products and services to their employees and customers.
The MoU is wide-ranging and paves the way for a broad range of initiatives, including a co-branded credit card, the extension of Oman Air’s Sindbad loyalty programme to holders of the new credit card, the sitting of Oman Air self-service kiosks in Bank Muscat branches, the promotion of Bank Muscat’s products to Sindbad members and a series of joint marketing ventures.
“Bank Muscat is an ideal strategic partner for Oman Air and, together, we look forward to creating new opportunities, accessing new markets and delivering even greater value.”
Abdulrazaq Al-Raisi, Oman Air’s General Manager Worldwide Sales, welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding, saying: “We are delighted that Oman Air and Bank Muscat will be working together to offer customers the very best in both air travel and financial products and services. Both Oman Air and Bank Muscat are committed to providing the very highest quality to all our customers and this Memorandum of Understanding will ensure that even more people will benefit.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Bank Muscat continues Oman Air’s development of partnerships and deals with some of the world’s most respected businesses, each bringing additional services and benefits to the carrier’s customers.
With assets worth over USD 15 billion, Bank Muscat (SAOG) has a strong presence in corporate, retail, private and investment banking, treasury and asset management. The bank has the largest network of branches in Oman, with 125 branches and 362 ATMs, 112 CDMs and 4,200 PoS terminals. It also has a branch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a representative office in Dubai (UAE). In addition, Bank Muscat currently owns 49% of BMI Bank BSC, an independent bank in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has a 43% stake in the Mangal Keshav Group, one of the oldest and most respected securities houses in the fast-growing Indian equities market, and has a stake in Silk bank Ltd in Pakistan.
Under the terms of the MoU, Oman Air SAOC and Bank Muscat will work across a range of activities to promote each other’s products and services to their employees and customers.
The MoU is wide-ranging and paves the way for a broad range of initiatives, including a co-branded credit card, the extension of Oman Air’s Sindbad loyalty programme to holders of the new credit card, the sitting of Oman Air self-service kiosks in Bank Muscat branches, the promotion of Bank Muscat’s products to Sindbad members and a series of joint marketing ventures.
“Bank Muscat is an ideal strategic partner for Oman Air and, together, we look forward to creating new opportunities, accessing new markets and delivering even greater value.”
Abdulrazaq Al-Raisi, Oman Air’s General Manager Worldwide Sales, welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding, saying: “We are delighted that Oman Air and Bank Muscat will be working together to offer customers the very best in both air travel and financial products and services. Both Oman Air and Bank Muscat are committed to providing the very highest quality to all our customers and this Memorandum of Understanding will ensure that even more people will benefit.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Bank Muscat continues Oman Air’s development of partnerships and deals with some of the world’s most respected businesses, each bringing additional services and benefits to the carrier’s customers.
With assets worth over USD 15 billion, Bank Muscat (SAOG) has a strong presence in corporate, retail, private and investment banking, treasury and asset management. The bank has the largest network of branches in Oman, with 125 branches and 362 ATMs, 112 CDMs and 4,200 PoS terminals. It also has a branch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a representative office in Dubai (UAE). In addition, Bank Muscat currently owns 49% of BMI Bank BSC, an independent bank in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has a 43% stake in the Mangal Keshav Group, one of the oldest and most respected securities houses in the fast-growing Indian equities market, and has a stake in Silk bank Ltd in Pakistan.
Oman Air new inflight meal on london flights
Oman Air has launched superb new a la carte menus on its flights between London Heathrow and Oman’s capital of Muscat. And with caviar, poached fillet of beef, Loch Fyne gravadlax and a wide range of mouthwatering desserts on offer, Oman Air has clearly demonstrated that fine dining has reached new heights.
The airline, which has built a reputation for offering all its passengers a luxurious flying experience, has designed separate menus for its First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Each uses the finest seasonal ingredients, draws on both Arabic and European influences and combines contemporary and traditional elements.
Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill says:
“We are delighted to be launching these delicious new menus and I am sure that our customers will be impressed. We have worked hard, together with in-flight catering specialists Gate Gourmet, to create menus that offer the very best seasonal produce, fantastic flavours, with a selection and a variety to suit every palate.
“These new menus underline Oman Air’s commitment to offering customers the very best of everything that air travel has to offer and they perfectly complement the outstanding comfort, space, products and services offered on our aircraft.”
With Oman Air’s flights from London to Muscat leaving in the evening, the airline has created substantial dinner menus, and additionally invites customers to start the following day with a choice of dishes, including a full cooked breakfast.
Gerhard Engleitner, Oman Air’s Manager of In-Flight Menu Development, adds:
“Our First and Business Class services offer a great selection of dishes, both European and Arabic in flavour. We have found that couples travelling together will often share their meals. One has a European meal and the other the Arabic selection, and they happily swap half way.
“Our European meals are designed so there should be something for everyone; including a lovely French caviar - but for that you have to join us in First Class.”
All First Class and Business Class meals are served on specially-designed, full size plates, with elegant cutlery and glassware more usually associated with fine restaurants than with air travel.
Gerhard Engleitner continues:
“In Economy Class, we offer a three-course meal: a light appetizer, followed by a choice of three main courses, including one dish with an Arabic twist and a vegetarian option, with a dessert to finish.”
Oman Air’s delicious new menus are launched in June aboard the airline’s daily, direct, non-stop service from London Heathrow to Muscat. The airline currently flies to 38 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa and has recently introduced a brand new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. These offer spacious seating in every class of travel, with long, lie-flat beds, each with direct aisle access, in First Class and Business Class. Slim-line Economy Class seats, with adjustable head and leg rests, offer more leg and elbow room than ever. In-flight entertainment offers a great selection of movies and music, together with individual touch-screen monitors. In addition, Oman Air is the first airline in the world to offer both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity whilst in flight.
The airline, which has built a reputation for offering all its passengers a luxurious flying experience, has designed separate menus for its First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Each uses the finest seasonal ingredients, draws on both Arabic and European influences and combines contemporary and traditional elements.
Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill says:
“We are delighted to be launching these delicious new menus and I am sure that our customers will be impressed. We have worked hard, together with in-flight catering specialists Gate Gourmet, to create menus that offer the very best seasonal produce, fantastic flavours, with a selection and a variety to suit every palate.
“These new menus underline Oman Air’s commitment to offering customers the very best of everything that air travel has to offer and they perfectly complement the outstanding comfort, space, products and services offered on our aircraft.”
With Oman Air’s flights from London to Muscat leaving in the evening, the airline has created substantial dinner menus, and additionally invites customers to start the following day with a choice of dishes, including a full cooked breakfast.
Gerhard Engleitner, Oman Air’s Manager of In-Flight Menu Development, adds:
“Our First and Business Class services offer a great selection of dishes, both European and Arabic in flavour. We have found that couples travelling together will often share their meals. One has a European meal and the other the Arabic selection, and they happily swap half way.
“Our European meals are designed so there should be something for everyone; including a lovely French caviar - but for that you have to join us in First Class.”
All First Class and Business Class meals are served on specially-designed, full size plates, with elegant cutlery and glassware more usually associated with fine restaurants than with air travel.
Gerhard Engleitner continues:
“In Economy Class, we offer a three-course meal: a light appetizer, followed by a choice of three main courses, including one dish with an Arabic twist and a vegetarian option, with a dessert to finish.”
Oman Air’s delicious new menus are launched in June aboard the airline’s daily, direct, non-stop service from London Heathrow to Muscat. The airline currently flies to 38 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa and has recently introduced a brand new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft. These offer spacious seating in every class of travel, with long, lie-flat beds, each with direct aisle access, in First Class and Business Class. Slim-line Economy Class seats, with adjustable head and leg rests, offer more leg and elbow room than ever. In-flight entertainment offers a great selection of movies and music, together with individual touch-screen monitors. In addition, Oman Air is the first airline in the world to offer both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity whilst in flight.
Malaysia Airlines and Oman Air frequent flyer partnership
Oman Air and Malaysia Airlines entered a code-share partnership today, opening up more international destinations to their customers, effective immediately.
Oman Air’s passengers who currently enjoy direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok will now be connected to 6 new destinations in Malaysia and Asia; Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Malaysia Airlines’ customers will enjoy non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Muscat. From the capital of Oman, they will be able to connect seamlessly to Amman and Kuwait City. This partnership also provides passengers with more flight options to Dubai and Beirut.
This partnership will also pave the way for closer co-operation between the two airlines on a range of other joint initiatives, including collaboration on frequent flyer programmes, ground handling, customer support, cargo and airport lounge access.
Oman Air CEO Mr Peter Hill said, “We are very happy with this remarkable code-share agreement which marks a very important milestone for Oman Air. Apart from Oman Air passengers benefiting from the added destinations through this code-share, it will also present them the opportunity to experience the exemplary services of Malaysia Airlines.”
“We are sure this opportunity will be seized by the discerning passengers of Malaysian Airlines, on top of tasting the unparalleled services of Oman Air and visiting Oman and the unique destinations Oman Air flies to,” he added.
Director / CEO, Tengku Dato’ Azmil Zahruddin said, “This is an opportune time for our two airlines as we endeavour to provide more choices to our customers. This also enables us to grow tourism to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Kuching initially and then to other points in Malaysia.
“In addition, this partnership expands and strengthens our hub-and-spoke network. We will be able to capture untapped traffic from secondary points in Middle East through Muscat onto our network. We target to capture approximately 60% of the existing traffic to Kuala Lumpur and beyond, valued at more than RM26 million per annum. Many travellers are currently travelling to Kuala Lumpur and beyond via other Middle Eastern points.”
Oman Air’s passengers who currently enjoy direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok will now be connected to 6 new destinations in Malaysia and Asia; Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Malaysia Airlines’ customers will enjoy non-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to Muscat. From the capital of Oman, they will be able to connect seamlessly to Amman and Kuwait City. This partnership also provides passengers with more flight options to Dubai and Beirut.
This partnership will also pave the way for closer co-operation between the two airlines on a range of other joint initiatives, including collaboration on frequent flyer programmes, ground handling, customer support, cargo and airport lounge access.
Oman Air CEO Mr Peter Hill said, “We are very happy with this remarkable code-share agreement which marks a very important milestone for Oman Air. Apart from Oman Air passengers benefiting from the added destinations through this code-share, it will also present them the opportunity to experience the exemplary services of Malaysia Airlines.”
“We are sure this opportunity will be seized by the discerning passengers of Malaysian Airlines, on top of tasting the unparalleled services of Oman Air and visiting Oman and the unique destinations Oman Air flies to,” he added.
Director / CEO, Tengku Dato’ Azmil Zahruddin said, “This is an opportune time for our two airlines as we endeavour to provide more choices to our customers. This also enables us to grow tourism to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Kuching initially and then to other points in Malaysia.
“In addition, this partnership expands and strengthens our hub-and-spoke network. We will be able to capture untapped traffic from secondary points in Middle East through Muscat onto our network. We target to capture approximately 60% of the existing traffic to Kuala Lumpur and beyond, valued at more than RM26 million per annum. Many travellers are currently travelling to Kuala Lumpur and beyond via other Middle Eastern points.”
Emirates Airlines adds Tunis to Dubai Flights
In a move to support the Tunisian tourism industry and to provide passengers with more flexible travel options, Emirates has launched an additional weekly flight between Dubai and Tunis.
Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, will now operate four flights per week to Tunis from its hub in Dubai.
Flight EK 747 departs Dubai at 0935 hrs (local time) and arrives in Tunis at 1255hrs (local) every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The return flight, EK 748, departs Tunis at 1510hrs (local) and arrive in Dubai at 2355hrs (local).
Currently, Emirates flights to Tunis are served by an Airbus A330- 200 aircraft offering 237 seats in a three class configuration: 12 First Class Suites, 42 Business Class and 183 Economy Class seats.
"Emirates is committed to offering its customers the best travel experience on the market and now customers in Tunisia have even more convenient access to our network of over 110 global destinations," said Jean Luc Grillet, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa.
Emirates airline operates a fleet of 152 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 111 destinations in 66 countries and has placed orders for an additional 200 aircraft, worth more than USD$68 billion.
Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, will now operate four flights per week to Tunis from its hub in Dubai.
Flight EK 747 departs Dubai at 0935 hrs (local time) and arrives in Tunis at 1255hrs (local) every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The return flight, EK 748, departs Tunis at 1510hrs (local) and arrive in Dubai at 2355hrs (local).
Currently, Emirates flights to Tunis are served by an Airbus A330- 200 aircraft offering 237 seats in a three class configuration: 12 First Class Suites, 42 Business Class and 183 Economy Class seats.
"Emirates is committed to offering its customers the best travel experience on the market and now customers in Tunisia have even more convenient access to our network of over 110 global destinations," said Jean Luc Grillet, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa.
Emirates airline operates a fleet of 152 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 111 destinations in 66 countries and has placed orders for an additional 200 aircraft, worth more than USD$68 billion.
Emirates fly to south africa with a380
Emirates airlines announced today that Johannesburg, the industrial and economic capital of South Africa, will be the next destination slated for its airbus A380 aircraft. The daily A380 service will start 1 October 2011.
The 489-seat Emirates A380 offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats in Economy Class. First Class passengers have access to two Onboard Shower Spas, while all premium passengers on the upper deck can socialise at 40,000 feet in the Onboard Lounge. Beverages and bar snacks are served once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude - all the way until descent.
The A380 service will operate daily as EK 761, departing Dubai at 0440hrs (local time) and arriving at O R Tambo International Airport at 1050hrs (local). The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 1410hrs (local) and arrives in Dubai at 0010hrs (local) the following day.
The announcement of Emirates first scheduled A380 service to Africa comes as the airline unveiled its full year financial results for 2010-11. These revealed a surge in the number of South African travellers flying with Emirates with total passenger growth up 12 percent over the previous financial year. Overall revenue from the South African market also rose sharply, up 34 percent from 2009-10.
we have enjoyed a successful partnership with South Africa since launching services in 1995, and now connect our Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban gateways to our vast global network through 42 non-stop flights each week to Dubai," said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. "The very positive trends we have witnessed over the last 12 months will only be boosted by the arrival of our flagship A380 aircraft, which has set a new benchmark for air travel.
The arrival time of the A380 in Dubai will offer passengers from South Africa convenient connections to an extensive range of destinations within Europe, which following the 1 June launch of Geneva and the Copenhagen launch on 1 August, will stand at 27. Passengers will also be able to connect seamlessly to a wide range of points within the Middle and Far East.
Customers wishing to break their journey in Dubai will discover a huge variety of things to see and do in what is often billed as the world’s ultimate stopover city. Attractions range from world-class golf courses to indoor skiing, fine dining to desert safaris and shopping options spanning from gold, diamond and spice souks to chic designer boutiques; not to mention the chance to get a true birds-eye view of the gleaming cityscape from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Johannesburg is the most populous city in South Africa and capital of the Gauteng province, the country’s wealthiest province and home to approximately nine million residents. The city, which is located on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills, is also a thriving centre for the gold and diamond trade.
The new A380 service will also help to support the thriving trade relationship between South Africa and the UAE, which has enjoyed an average year-on-year growth of eight per cent since 2007. Total trade volumes rose from $1,379,000 in 2007 to $1,749,000 in 2010.
The 489-seat Emirates A380 offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 seats in Economy Class. First Class passengers have access to two Onboard Shower Spas, while all premium passengers on the upper deck can socialise at 40,000 feet in the Onboard Lounge. Beverages and bar snacks are served once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude - all the way until descent.
The A380 service will operate daily as EK 761, departing Dubai at 0440hrs (local time) and arriving at O R Tambo International Airport at 1050hrs (local). The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 1410hrs (local) and arrives in Dubai at 0010hrs (local) the following day.
The announcement of Emirates first scheduled A380 service to Africa comes as the airline unveiled its full year financial results for 2010-11. These revealed a surge in the number of South African travellers flying with Emirates with total passenger growth up 12 percent over the previous financial year. Overall revenue from the South African market also rose sharply, up 34 percent from 2009-10.
we have enjoyed a successful partnership with South Africa since launching services in 1995, and now connect our Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban gateways to our vast global network through 42 non-stop flights each week to Dubai," said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. "The very positive trends we have witnessed over the last 12 months will only be boosted by the arrival of our flagship A380 aircraft, which has set a new benchmark for air travel.
The arrival time of the A380 in Dubai will offer passengers from South Africa convenient connections to an extensive range of destinations within Europe, which following the 1 June launch of Geneva and the Copenhagen launch on 1 August, will stand at 27. Passengers will also be able to connect seamlessly to a wide range of points within the Middle and Far East.
Customers wishing to break their journey in Dubai will discover a huge variety of things to see and do in what is often billed as the world’s ultimate stopover city. Attractions range from world-class golf courses to indoor skiing, fine dining to desert safaris and shopping options spanning from gold, diamond and spice souks to chic designer boutiques; not to mention the chance to get a true birds-eye view of the gleaming cityscape from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Johannesburg is the most populous city in South Africa and capital of the Gauteng province, the country’s wealthiest province and home to approximately nine million residents. The city, which is located on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills, is also a thriving centre for the gold and diamond trade.
The new A380 service will also help to support the thriving trade relationship between South Africa and the UAE, which has enjoyed an average year-on-year growth of eight per cent since 2007. Total trade volumes rose from $1,379,000 in 2007 to $1,749,000 in 2010.
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