Emirates extends its Global Network further for Kiwis

Emirates extends its Global Network further for Kiwi travellers

Airline launches 10th gateway to the US with a one-off A380 service and second gateway into Iran

3 September, 2015 – From this week, Emirates is flying to two new destinations, further extending its global network for Kiwi Travellers.

Emirates has launched its 10th destination in the United States with the start of daily nonstop passenger service between Dubai and Orlando International Airport and added a second passenger gateway into Iran. Emirates passengers can now fly direct from Dubai to Mashhad.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Centre for Emirates commented on today’s launch: “The new service to Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city and one of its most economically vibrant centres will not only enhance trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates' vast route network, opening up new opportunities to connect efficiently with destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and West Asia through our world-class Dubai hub. By boosting air transport links from Mashhad to the increasingly connected world economy, we are contributing to the growth of international trade, tourism and investment.”

Emirates’ five weekly flights, operated by a combination of a three class and two class configured A330-200, will help further stimulate the vital trade ties between the UAE and Iran. The UAE is Iran’s biggest non-oil trading partner. It is also Iran’s biggest source of imported goods, worth more than AED 93.5 billion in 2014. In turn, Iran exports goods to the UAE valued at AED 3.8 billion, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Emirates’ services to Mashhad will depart on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from Dubai as EK967 at 0410hrs arriving at Mashhad International Airport at 0700hrs*. The return flight, EK968 will depart Mashhad International Airport at 0845hrs* arriving in Dubai at 1045hrs.

Emirates commenced services to Iran in 1990 with two flights a week to Tehran. It now operates four daily flights to the capital city. Since then, Emirates has carried 7 million passengers in and out of Iran.

A VIP delegation and a contingent of international media were aboard the inaugural flight between Dubai to Orlando, which carried passengers from 29 different countries to Orlando.

“Our new daily service will enable Emirates to grow alongside Orlando, one of the world’s premier leisure destinations and a dynamic business centre,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.

“The launch of this nonstop route will bring Emirates’ unique product and award-winning service to passengers flying from Central Florida to our home in Dubai and beyond to more than 140 global destinations. Since 2004, Emirates has carried more than 11 million passengers on its U.S. flights and this new route will open up even more options for passengers travelling to Orlando. Additionally, the aircraft on this route has the capability to carry more than 17 tons of cargo in each direction every day, which will support Florida’s export market.”

“Florida is on a mission to become the global leader in job creation and we are excited about the new Emirates nonstop flight between Orlando and Dubai,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. “We welcomed more than 97 million visitors to our state last year and every 85 tourists creates another Florida job. We know our tourism industry helps grow our economy and that is why we are investing $145 million at the Orlando International Airport to expand the South Terminal Complex so we can continue to increase domestic and international air service, like the new Emirates flight.”

Emirates’ daily flight EK219, will depart Dubai at 3:50 a.m. local time and arrive in Orlando at 11:40 a.m., a flying time of 15 hours and 50 minutes. EK220 will depart Orlando International Airport Terminal B at 2:20 p.m. and arrive into Dubai International Terminal 3 at 12:30p.m. the following day, with a flying time of 14 hours and 10 minutes.

A first: One-off A380 service at Orlando International

On the special occasion of its Orlando launch, Emirates dispatched its flagship aircraft – an Airbus A380 – to celebrate the milestone and meet demand for the first flight. The inaugural Emirates flight was the first A380 aircraft to touch down at Orlando International Airport. The jet features two Shower Spas and the signature Onboard Lounge, which offers passengers a space for socializing and networking over fine wines, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and delicacies prepared by five-star chefs.

Regular scheduled service on the Orlando route will be offered on the U.S.-built Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, which seats 266 passengers, including eight private First Class Suites, 42 Business Class lie-flat beds and 216 spacious Economy Class seats. Emirates operates a fleet of 143 Boeing 777’s, the most of any airline in the world.

Emirates has historically increased its service capacity by up-gauging from Boeing 777 models to the A380 to meet strong consumer demand. In December 2014, Emirates commenced A380 service to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which joined John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport as U.S. destinations offering direct service to Dubai on the Emirates A380.

Connecting business and leisure destinations

Orlando is famous for its world-class theme parks, family entertainment and year round sunshine which bring in over 59 million visitors each year. It also has a strong business base with thriving industries in Advanced Technology, Film and Digital Media production, Aerospace and Life Sciences.

Emirates customers can also connect seamlessly onto many destinations in the US, the Caribbean and South America through the airline’s codeshare partner JetBlue’s regional hub in Orlando, which serves 24 cities including San Juan in Puerto Rico; Bogota, Colombia and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Emirates passengers can connect seamlessly from many destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean and South America through codeshare partner JetBlue’s regional hub in Orlando, which serves 24 cities including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Bogota, Colombia; and Nassau, The Bahamas.

For more information about Emirates and to book tickets, visit www.emirates.com.

*Flight times are as per summer scheduling. Due to the end of Daylight Savings Time in Iran, the arrival and departure times in Mashhad will be one hour earlier from 22 September.

ENDS

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