QANTAS Airways (Sydney) and Emirates Airline (Dubai) are celebrating their new relationship after receiving the final approvals.

QANTAS and Emirates welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) approval of their partnership for a period of five years.

The partnership will provide customers with a seamless international and Australian network, frequent flyer benefits and world-class travel experiences.

The decision follows a six month review process by the ACCC that included several rounds of public submissions, a pre-decision conference and a comprehensive analysis of the benefits the partnership will deliver to customers.

As part of the decision, QANTAS and Emirates have committed to maintain current levels of capacity on the four routes that both airlines fly between Australia and New Zealand. Subject to approval in New Zealand, the ability to cooperate on these Trans Tasman routes creates the potential for the two airlines to market both Australia and New Zealand to their global networks.

Emirates customers are now able choose from 32 Australian destinations that QANTAS operates to including Canberra, Port Lincoln, Cairns and Hobart, opening up Australia to passengers from all over the ever expanding Emirates network.

QANTAS and Emirates applied to the ACCC for authorization of their partnership in September 2012. In December 2012 the ACCC released its draft determination, indicating its intention to approve the partnership for a period of five years.

In January 2013, the ACCC approved an application for interim approval, which enabled the two airlines to coordinate pricing, schedules and capacity in advance of this decision. Fares on the joint network went on sale in mid-January for travel from March 31, 2013, subject to regulatory approval.

Preparations for the partnership, including QANTAS’ new operational hub in Dubai, are now complete. The first flight is scheduled from Sydney to London (via Dubai) on March 31.

The two airlines in order to celebrate the launch of their new relationship conducted a special Airbus A380 fly over of Sydney Harbour Bridge today. Read the full story from Dawn.com: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photos: Emirates.

Fly-by video from phantomworks23:

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Emirates: 

Emirates Airline (Dubai) will launch a direct nonstop service between Milan (Malpensa) and New York (JFK), the airline’s only trans-Atlantic service, from October 1, 2013.

In addition to the existing passenger market between Milan and New York, Emirates has timed its flight schedule to ensure maximum connectivity for other key feeder markets. Customers looking to fly on the airline’s award-winning product will be able to seamlessly connect from points all over the U.S., including the West Coast, taking advantage of Emirates’ partnership with JetBlue, and across Europe, maximizing the airline’s frequent flyer partnership with easyJet.

“Operating a trans-Atlantic route has been on our agenda for some time. Having carefully monitored traffic flows we have identified strong demand for both a direct connection and, importantly, for the Emirates product.  The route is currently underserved, particularly with a strong premium product offering this is where we see a clear opening for Emirates. We intend to capitalize on this opportunity, stimulating further demand and encouraging additional traffic flow in both directions,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates.

Operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER, the flight will be an extension of one of Emirates’ existing three daily, Dubai to Milan flights. The service will originate in Dubai with passengers then able to enjoy a stopover in Milan en-route to New York. On the return flight, passengers will have the option of stopping in Milan before continuing on to Dubai.  This one-stop service has proved popular on other Emirates’ routes, giving passengers the opportunity to experience a new destination or to break their journey on longer trips.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Boeing 777-31H ER A6-ENA (msn 41082) arrives back at the Dubai base.

Emirates: 

Emirates Airline (Dubai) has announced that it will begin operating a daily flight to Stockholm, Sweden from September 4, 2013.

The new route will be operated with Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft. The daily service will offer three cabin classes with eight seats in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class and 304 seats in Economy Class.

The new daily flight to Stockholm will depart Dubai as flight EK 157 at 0715 and arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport at 1200 the same day. The return flight, EK 158 will depart at 1355 and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2225.

Emirates’ launch of Stockholm service will follow the launch of Tokyo Haneda service on June 3 . Closely following the launch of Stockholm in September, Emirates will launch a daily flight to Clark in the Philippines (near Manila) on October 1.

Copyright Photo: Nik French. Boeing 777-31H ER A6-EGO (msn 35598) with the special “1000th 777″ departs from Manchester.

Emirates: 

The Emirates Group (Emirates Airline) (Dubai) has announced it 25^th consecutive year of profit and company-wide growth ending the year in a strong position despite continuing high fuel prices and a weak global economic environment. The financial year also ended with some very positive newly reached capacity milestones throughout the business.

The company posted an AED 3.1 billion ($845 million) net profit, up 34 per cent from last year.  Even with external challenges, the Group’s revenue reached AED 77.5 billion ($21.1 billion) an increase of 17 per cent over last year’s results.  The Group’s cash balance grew by 53 per cent reaching a solid AED 27.0 billion ($7.3 billion).

“Achieving our 25^th consecutive year of profit in a financial year with our largest ever increase in capacity across the network is an achievement that speaks to the strength of our brands and our leadership,” said His Highness (H.H) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

“Throughout the 2012-13 financial year the Group has collectively invested over AED 13.8 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) in new aircraft, products, services and handling facilities as well as the newly opened JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. This investment has resulted in an increased customer base and a rise in global brand awareness. Every dirham that we earn is strategically placed back into our business and it is this tenacious approach that has allowed the Group to maintain such strong and consistent profitability under challenging circumstances.”

Despite a difficult operating environment, the Group continued to invest in and expand on its employee base, increasing its overall staff count by 12 per cent to 68,000.

Emirates continued with its growth plan and during the financial year saw the largest increase in capacity in the airline’s history receiving a staggering 34 new aircraft, the highest in any single year and an unprecedented achievement. These aircraft were funded by raising more than $7.8 billion, also a first, through a variety of financing structures. Overall capacity measured in Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKMs) increased by 5.5 billion ton-kilometers. Other significant capacity increases include launching 10 new destinations across six continents, shipping more than 2 million tonnes of cargo for the first time and carrying an additional 5.4 million passengers over last year, the highest increase in a financial year.

In the 2012-13 financial year Emirates’ fuel bill increased by 15 per cent over last year to reach AED 27.9 billion ($7.6 billion). With total operating costs increasing by 16 per cent compared to a revenue increase of 17 per cent over last year.

“Managing volatile exchange rates, coupled with a persistently high fuel bill accounting for 40 per cent of our total expenditures, has required continued strong resolve,” added Sheikh Ahmed. “Even with these lingering challenges we continue to grow and remain profitable despite the industry norms because we continue to rely on our proven business model and understanding of the marketplace.”

“Staying the course, our strategy for growth has reaped high benefits this past financial year, which has been our strongest ever in relationship to capacity growth,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “Emirates seat load factor over the last three years has been 80 per cent despite our increase in capacity by 44 per cent during the same period, showing the continued global demand for our product.  In addition our capacity measured in terms of Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKMs), which includes passenger and cargo capacity, crossed the 40 billion tonne-kilometres mark, another first for Emirates.”

Highlighting its sound financials and investor confidence, Emirates raised more than AED 28.6 billion (US$ 7.8 billion) in new funding mainly to secure its on-going fleet expansion, a record amount for the airline. This impressive total included US$ 587.5 million financing for additional A380’s with a bond that used the debt capital market in the U.S., a first for a non-U.S. airline in years. Emirates also issued a 10-year amortised Sukuk for US$ 1 billion and raised US$ 750 million with a 12-year amortised bond matched to the payment cycle for the aircraft.  It further includes more than AED 20 billion (US$5.4 billion) raised through finance and operating leases.

“We move into the new financial year with confidence and a clear vision of where we are headed. We understand that succeeding in this industry requires determination and we are unapologetic about our drive to be the best,” added Sheikh Ahmed. “We strive to provide superior customer experiences and as our customers’ expectations increase so do the expectations we set for ourselves. With the help of our 68,000 strong multicultural work force we have no doubt that the year ahead will again be more profitable than the last.”

Emirates revenue reached a record high of AED 73.1 billion ($19.9 billion) growing by 17 per cent when compared to the 2011-12 financial year. Although the average price of jet fuel did not increase over last year, it remains high and has impacted Emirates’ bottom line with the airline’s profit at AED 2.3 billion (US$ 622 million) representing an increase of 52 per cent over last year’s results.

Carrying a record 39.4 million passengers, an increase of 16 per cent, Emirates logged a robust Passenger Seat Factor, at 80 per cent, remaining consistent with last year’s results. With an increase in seat capacity-Available Seat Kilometres (ASKMs) of 18 per cent the result highlights a strong consumer desire to fly on Emirates’ state-of-the-art aircraft.

Passenger yield remained steady with 30.5 fils (8.3 US cents) per Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPKM)

Revenue generated from across Emirates’ six regions continues to be well balanced, with no region contributing more than 30 per cent of overall revenues. East Asia and Australasia remained the highest revenue contributing region with AED 20.9 billion (US$ 5.7 billion) up 15 per cent from 2011-12. Europe, up 18 per cent to AED 20.1billion (US$ 5.5 billion) and the Americas up 24 per cent to AED 8.3 billion (US$ 2.3 billion) saw the most significant growth, reflecting new destinations as well as increased frequency and capacity to these regions.

Across the rest of the globe Emirates saw strong revenue increases from West Asia and the Indian Ocean up 13 per cent to AED 8.0 billion (US$ 2.2 billion), Gulf/Middle East up 13 per cent to AED 7.1 billion (US$ 1.9 billion) and Africa with AED 6.7 billion (US$1.8 billion) in revenue, up 10 per cent.

Emirates premium seat factor remained strong despite the global financial uncertainty.  Premium and overall seat factor for the airline’s flagship Airbus A380 aircraft outperformed the network, highlighting the continued demand for the product from passengers.

With a further 198 aircraft on order worth over  $71 billion, combined with the airline’s increasing worldwide passenger traffic, Emirates’ is set to continue to drive considerable economic growth in the countries that it serves.

Forging ahead with its intricately planned expansion, Emirates received 34 new wide-body aircraft during the year including 20 Boeing 777-300 ERs, 10 Airbus A380s and 4 Boeing 777 LRFs compared with last year’s 22 aircraft. With an increased fleet, Emirates launched 10 new destinations in 2012-13 including Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, Lisbon, Erbil, Washington, DC, Adelaide, Lyon, Phuket, Warsaw and Algiers.

Looking forward to 2013-14, Emirates has to date announced four new routes; Haneda, Clark in the Philippines, Stockholm and Milan to New York.

New A380 destinations for the airline in 2012-13 included; Amsterdam, Melbourne, Singapore and Moscow. Bringing the total number of A380 destinations to 21.  In addition, a second A380 was deployed on the existing Paris and New York routes, making both now a double daily A380 service. Two of our aircraft to London Heathrow were also upgraded to A380s, making all five daily flights now A380s.

Focusing on our customer touch points, Emirates opened three new dedicated airport lounges during the year including Milan and the new First Class and Business Class Concourse A facilities at Dubai Airport, which are among the largest in the world, bringing the total number of Emirates lounges to 35.  The existing Business Class lounge in Dubai Airport’s Concourse C was also refurbished to provide passengers with an enhanced experience.

Defying the industry trend, the 2012-13 financial year has been a strong one for Emirates SkyCargo who for the first time reported a revenue over AED 10 billion reaching AED 10.3 billion ($2.8 billion) mark, an 8 per cent increase over last year.

Emirates SkyCargo’s tonnage increased 16 per cent reaching a remarkable 2.1 million tonnes in a shrinking airfreight market, highlighting its ability to grow revenues against the industry norm.  This year, freight yield per Freight Tonne Kilometer (FTKM) decreased by 6 per cent.

Contributing 15 per cent of Emirates’ total transport revenue Emirate SkyCargo continues to play an integral role in the company’s expanding operations.

At the end of the financial year, Emirates SkyCargo freighter fleet totalled 10 aircraft – eight on operating lease and two on wet lease.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton. Airbus A380-861 A6-EDZ (msn 107) with the special Expo 2020 Dubai UAE markings arrives at the Dubai hub.

Emirates: 

JetBlue Airways (New York) and Emirates (Dubai) today announced their intention to expand their current partnership to include bilateral codesharing, pending FAA and DOT regulatory approval and subject to receipt of foreign government operating authority. Under the expanded agreement, JetBlue will place its “B6″ airline code on all flights currently operated by Emirates between the U.S. and Dubai International Airport, as well as between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Milan, Italy.

The agreement deepens a three-year partnership between JetBlue and Emirates. Emirates started placing its code on select JetBlue-operated flights in April 2012, expanding an interline agreement that dates back to 2010. Current codeshare routes offered by Emirates on JetBlue-operated flights cover 28 destinations including Boston, Chicago, Orlando and Puerto Rico. Since March this year, Emirates also began placing its code on additional JetBlue routes, including Bridgetown, Barbados, Cancun, Mexico, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Through the existing agreement, customers enjoy the convenience of a single combined ticket for Emirates and JetBlue-operated flights, plus other benefits including one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

Members of Skywards, the Emirates reward program, can earn miles on JetBlue-operated flights and also redeem miles for flights to any of JetBlue’s 77 destinations (and counting) throughout the Americas. Similarly, members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program can earn points for Emirates-operated flights worldwide.

Emirates’ global network encompasses 133 destinations in 77 countries across six continents and the airline currently operates 56 passenger flights per week between Dubai and the U.S. including flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and the twice daily A380 service from JFK to Dubai International Airport. , Emirates’ extensive network gives travellers in the U.S. access not only to the carrier’s home of Dubai, the commercial and tourism hub of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, but also to cities across Africa, India, and throughout Asia Pacific.

From New York JFK, Emirates offers two daily nonstop flights to its global hub at Dubai International Airport – both aboard its flagship A380 – offering travellers fine dining, personalized service and multi award-winning entertainment options. From Washington Dulles, Emirates offers one daily nonstop flight to Dubai.

Top Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Airbus A320-232 N779JB (msn 3811) (Real Salt Lake-2009 Champions) taxies from the gate at Long Beach.

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Bottom Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Airbus A380-861 A6-EDN (msn 056) carefully taxies at New York (JFK).

Emirates (Dubai) has announced it will add Airbus A380 service to Brisbane and Auckland.

Brisbane is set to become Emirates’ third Australian destination to welcome the airline’s flagship Airbus A380, with the announcement that Emirates will operate the A380 on the Dubai to Brisbane and Auckland route from October 1, 2013.

Adding the A380 to one of Emirates’ two daily Brisbane services will see an increase in capacity of 135 seats for sale per flight and 1,890 week, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to its Queensland and Auckland passengers. The double-daily service is currently operated by Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.

Together with QANTAS Airways (Sydney), from October 1 a total of six daily A380 services will operate to Dubai, offering a seamless A380 experience through Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A, the world’s first purpose built A380 concourse, to 21 A380 serviced destinations on the network including London Heathrow, Manchester, Paris and Rome.

Today’s announcement caps off a range of recent upgrades to Emirates’ Australian services, including the introduction of a daily Melbourne A380, a daily Adelaide service and a three times daily Perth service. A second A380 for Sydney from June has been announced.

Emirates sets the pace for A380 deployment, with the aircraft having carried 14 million passengers on 35,000 trips spanning 200 million kilometres since A380 operations commenced five years ago. In 2012 alone, Emirates added 11 A380s to its fleet and is the largest operator of the aircraft, with 33 in the fleet and 57 on order.

The Emirates A380 is set in a three-class configuration, with 399 seats in Economy Class on the lower level and 76 fully flat-bed, mini-pods in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper level. Passengers in the First Class cabin can freshen up in one of two on-board Shower Spas before joining fellow premium class travellers in the On-Board Lounge where they can enjoy complimentary beverages and canapés.

Copyright Photo: Antony J. Best.

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Emirates (Dubai) is finding unique ways to promote its airline and its large fleet of Airbus A380. Here is a new one:

Spectators at this year’s Roland Garros tournament® are looking to the skies thanks to Emirates’ innovative A380 aerial camera created in collaboration with the French Federation of Tennis.

Positioned up to 45 meters above the grounds of Roland Garros the Emirates A380 aerial camera has been designed to travel along a secure 350 meter cable throughout the tournament grounds. The A380 camera weighs 60 kilograms and is two meters and 80 centimeters long and took nearly two months to build. Made from fiberglass and polyurethane foam the aircraft is a near perfect replica of the Emirates A380 that currently flies twice daily to Paris.

“Leveraging our sponsorships to showcase Emirates is a key part of our overarching brand strategy. This is the first time we have attempted to create an A380 aerial camera and the results speak for themselves. The A380 is an iconic aircraft and this near scale model hovering above Roland Garros is guaranteed to be a real eye-catcher,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications.

Emirates: 

Emirates (Dubai) today (June 3) celebrated the start of its daily, nonstop service from Dubai to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) with the launch of its inaugural flight. Haneda is the company’s third destination in Japan.

Emirates’ flight EK 312 departs Dubai at 0935, touching down at Haneda 0001 the following day. The return flight, EK 313, departs Haneda at 0130 and arrives at Dubai at 0705 the same day.

According to the airline, the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft operating the route is equipped with eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business, and generous space for 216 passengers in Economy, along with gourmet cuisine in all cabins which has been tailored to Japanese passengers, served by Emirates’ multinational cabin crew.

The aircraft also features ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system which offers over 1,500 channels showing the latest Japanese blockbusters, subtitled Hollywood films and Japanese music and TV.

Emirates now operates services to 134 destinations in 77 countries from Dubai, earlier this year Emirates launched services to Warsaw and Algiers. In addition to Haneda, Emirates has announced plans to launch services to Stockholm starting 4 September, Clark International Airport (Philippines) beginning on 1 October; the same day as it begins its transatlantic route between Milan and New York.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-21H LR A6-EWD (msn 35577) touches down at Geneva.

Emirates: 

Emirates (Dubai) has released this statement:

In a world first, Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has announced plans to open an indoor aviation themed attraction in London this July.

London’s newest public attraction, the Emirates Aviation Experience, will be the first of its kind globally. The Emirates Aviation Experience, located at the south side of the Emirates Airline office in London, will cover an area of almost 300 square meters and will provide an insight into the operations and modern achievements of commercial air travel.

A rendering of the exterior of the Emirates Aviation Experience, due to open in London this July

“This high-tech facility will bring to London a one of a kind insight into the dynamic world of aviation,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline. “The purpose of this center is to provide a fun, yet educational, overview of just what it takes to successfully get a 560 ton aircraft off the ground and 40,000 feet into the sky. Our aim is to explain the intricate science of modern aviation, in a hands-on, entertaining and instructive environment.”

“London is one of the greatest cities in the world, with one of the world’s busiest international airports, making it the perfect setting for this interactive experience. We have successfully operated services to the UK since 1987 and, when opened, the Emirates Aviation Experience will further broaden our already robust UK presence. Being able to provide London and its millions of international visitors with this permanent site is a true reflection of our commitment to innovation and also of our commitment to the UK,” added Mr. Clark.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, interactive displays and life-size aircraft models this immersive experience will incorporate several zones that will take visitors on an interactive aviation journey.

The Emirates Aviation Experience will also feature the world’s first public facing commercial flight simulators including two Airbus A380s and two Boeing 777s, utilizing full landscape visuals, allowing participants to practice their takeoff and landing skills. The center will cater to people of all ages and will open to the public in time for the city’s peak tourism period this July.

Emirates has a strong affiliation with this area of London following the launch of the Emirates AirLine, London’s popular cable car system across the River Thames, in a 10 year sponsorship deal last June. One year on from the launch of the Emirates AirLine the Emirates Aviation Experience is expected to further stimulate tourism and development in the area.

Copyright Photo: Emirates.

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Emirates: 

Emirates (Dubai) has announced an upgrade of service from Dubai to Los Angeles with the introduction of the flagship Airbus A380 starting on December 2, 2013.

The 489-seat Emirates A380 offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 spacious 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 the Onboard Lounge with an array of beverages and snacks. Passengers in all classes of service experience Emirates renowned hospitality, receive a generous baggage allowance, have inflight Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity, as well as access to the industry-leading ice entertainment system which boasts more than 1,400 channels of films, TV programs, games and music. This aircraft replaces the Boeing 777-300 ER which has serviced the route previously.

The A380 service will operate daily as flight EK 215 departing Dubai at 0820 (local time) and arriving at Los Angeles’ Tom Bradley International Terminal at 1250 (local). The return flight, EK 216, departs Los Angeles at 1600 and arrives in Dubai at 1950 on the following day. The arrival time of the A380 in L.A. will offer passengers easy connections to desirable destinations in the U.S. such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and Honolulu.

Previously Emirates announced it will boost its services to Switzerland with the start of a daily Airbus A380 service to Zurich.

From January 1, 2014, flight EK 087 from Dubai to Zurich and its return sector EK 088 will be operated by an A380, offering an increased capacity of more than 1,100 additional seats every week in each direction. The service is currently operated by a Boeing 777-300 ER. Emirates will continue to serve Zurich with a double daily operation, which will equate to more than 870 seats on offer per day.

Emirates is the largest A380 operator in the world, with 34 A380s in its fleet and 56 on order, and has carried almost 17 million passengers since the double decker was introduced five years ago. Since January of this year, Emirates’ A380 passengers have been able to experience the world’s first purpose built A380 concourse in Dubai (below), reflecting further investment in the airline’s global hub, which is set to grow to a capacity of 90 million passengers by 2018.

From January 1, 2014, the new A380-supported EK 087 flight will depart Dubai at 0825 and arrive in Zurich International Airport at 1220. The return flight, EK 088, will leave Zurich at 1435 and arrive in Dubai at 2340 (all times local).

Top Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Emirates). A380-861 A6-EDQ (msn 080) taxies at Amsterdam. Click on the photo for the full-size view.

Emirates: 

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Emirates Airline (Dubai) unveiled new expansion plans for Eastern Europe, with the launch of daily services to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport in Kiev from January 16, 2014, marking its first route to the Ukraine. The new route will be operated with operated by an Airbus A340-500 equipment. Kiev will be the 35th passenger route to Europe for Emirates.

In other news, Emirates has announced it will deploy its airbus A380s from Dubai to Mauritius starting on December 16.

The aircraft will operate as flight EK 701 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and EK 3701 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing from Dubai International Airport at 03.10 hours and arriving in Mauritius at 09.40. The return flight EK 702 and EK 3702 will depart Mauritius’ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 18.20 hours and arrives in Dubai at 01.10 the next day.The announcement of this daily service follows the special one-off A380 flight that the airline operated to Mauritius in March 2013 to celebrate the island’s 45 years of independence.

The new flight will replace one of the existing three class Boeing 777-300 services the airline currently operates to Mauritius. This means Emirates will continue to serve the country on a double daily basis with an additional 153 seats on the route each day across First Class, Business Class and Economy Class.

Copyright Photo: Paul Denton/airlinersGallery.com. Airbus A340-541 A6-ERH (msn 611) prepares to arrive back at the Dubai hub.

Emirates:

Emirates (Dubai) has introduced its version of a new private jet service with an Airbus A319. The fast-growing airline issued this statement:

Emirates has announced the launch of its luxury private jet service. Customers seeking unsurpassed luxury in travel can book a tailor-made experience on Emirates Executive, the ultra-spacious Airbus 319 aircraft, and enjoy new technology and design to meet the most discerning traveller’s requirements.

Providing a private charter service to most locations worldwide and beyond the existing Emirates network, the aircraft offers a new configuration with a high level of comfort and service for up to 19 passengers. Always pioneering, Emirates Executive introduces many firsts from private suites to a large multi-functional lounge area on-board, making it a service versatile enough to provide diverse travel options for both the private customer and corporations alike.

The configuration of the A319 Emirates Executive aircraft is based on two main zones. The first area is a wide dining and executive lounge at the front of the aircraft designed to seat up to 12 passengers, combining a work area and a rest zone with two large sofas surrounding four mechanically-activated tables and two 42” HD LCD screens. The second distinct area comprises 10 Private Suites each featuring a fully lie flat seat and a 32” HD LCD screen.

The suites are complemented by a large and elegant Shower Spa, equipped with a full-height shower, featured innovations like a floor heating system, decorative serigraphy on mirrors and marble accents, as well as luxury, all-natural skincare products.

Customers can also enjoy a variety of multi-course culinary options from Emirates’ award-winning menus, and the finest selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as customised options to suit any palette or dietary requirement. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including Emirates’ award winning in-flight entertainment (ice) with up to 1,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, as well as a live TV, video conferencing facilities and high-speed internet and mobile phone connectivity.

The personalised service for customers includes booking an aircraft at short notice and a premium chauffeur drive service. The A319 aircraft is supported by a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced inflight crew and ground staff.

Copyright Photo: Emirates.

Emirates: 

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Emirates (Dubai) has announced the launch of nonstop passenger services to Taipei, its 16th destination in the Far East.

The service will commence on February 10, 2014, initially with six nonstop flights per week to Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport.

The route will be operated by a three class Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft equipped with eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for 304 passengers in Economy Class, along with gourmet cuisine in all classes.

Emirates now operates services to 134 destinations in 76 countries from Dubai. Earlier this year Emirates launched services to Warsaw and Algiers, followed by Haneda, Japan in June.

Emirates has announced plans to launch services to Stockholm starting September 4, to Clark International Airport in the Philippines and the trans-Atlantic Milan-New York (JFK) route on October 1; Conakry on October 27, Sialkot on November 5 and Kiev on January 16, 2014.

Taipei Flight Schedule – from February 10, 2014

Emirates: 

Emirates (Dubai) has announced a new trans-Atlantic link with the start of flights to Boston from March 10, 2014.

This will be the airline’s 8^th route into the United States, 9^th into North America and 12^th into all of the Americas.

The flight will be operated by a GE-90 engine-powered Boeing 777-200 LR and brings the winner of the Skytrax ‘World’s Best Airline’ 2013 award into Boston Logan International Airport on a daily basis.

From March 10, 2014, flight EK 237 will depart Dubai at 0945 and arrive in Boston at 1515. The return flight, EK 238, will take off from Boston at 2255 and land in Dubai at 1910 the next day. As part of an agreement with JetBlue Airways (New York), Emirates and JetBlue passengers are able to travel on each other’s flights and earn reciprocal miles.

Emirates started flights to America in 2004, beginning with New York. The airline’s current seven U.S gateways form part of a 134-destination network, served by a fleet of more than 200 modern aircraft, including the airline’s flagship Airbus A380. Emirates’ much-lauded hub in Dubai is equipped with the world’s first purpose-built A380 concourse, housing the largest First and Business Class lounges in the industry.

Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 777-21H LR (Longer Range) A6-EWA (msn 35572) touches down at Stockholm (Arlanda), a recent new destination for the fast-growing carrier.

Emirates: 

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) according to Reuters, is expected to place a large order shortly for additional Boeing jets, including the new Boeing 777X mini-jumbo and additional 787s.

Etihad is nearing its 10th anniversary on November 12.

Etihad’s order could pre-empt a widely expected large order for 100 or more 777X from rival Emirates Airline (Dubai) when it hosts the Dubai Air Show in November.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil/AirlinersGallery.com. Etihad Airways is already a Boeing 777 operator for both passenger and cargo operations. Boeing 777-3FX ER A6-ETN (msn 39689) completes its final approach at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Etihad Airways:

Boeing (Chicago) today formally launched the 777X program at the 2013 Dubai Airshow with a record-breaking number of customer orders and commitments for the newest member of its twin-aisle product family. Agreements for 259 airplanes from four customers across Europe and the Middle East provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the airplane.

Representing the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value, 777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 airplanes. The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices.

The 777X builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777, which today commands 55 percent of market share in its category in terms of backlog, and 71 percent of the in-service fleet worldwide. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences.

The 777X builds on the best-in-class dispatch reliability from today’s 777, as well as offering more market coverage and revenue capability that surpasses the competition. The 777-8X competes directly with the A350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself.

Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9X offers seating for more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. With a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles (15,185 km), the airplane will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane.

The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will be the most flexible jet in the world. The airplane will seat 350 passengers and offer an incredible range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km). In addition, the airplane will have unmatched takeoff and payload capability compared to the competition.

The 777X introduces the latest technologies in multiple places, including the most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X by GE Aviation – and an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today’s 777. The airplane’s folding, raked wingtip and optimized span deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate compatibility.

Like the 787 Dreamliner which was launched as the 7E7, the 777X will be formally named at a later date. Design of the 777X is underway and suppliers will be named in the coming months. Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

According to Reuters, Boeing will firm up the configuration of the aircraft in 2015 and plans to have a detailed design by 2016.

Production will begin in 2017, with the first test flight scheduled for 2019 and first delivery in 2020.

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Emirates Airline (Dubai) has placed an additional order for 50 Airbus A380 aircraft. The order was signed at a ceremony at the 2013 Dubai Airshow witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.

Following delivery of their first A380 in July 2008, Emirates has now taken delivery of 39 A380s. Their 39^th A380 is on Airbus’ static display at the 2013 Dubai Airshow. All Emirates’ A380s are powered by Engine Alliance GP7200 engines.

Since first entering service in 2007, the A380 has joined the fleets of ten world class carriers. The aircraft flies 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favorite with both airlines and passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies.

The total A380 fleet has accumulated over one million flight hours in almost 140,000 commercial flights. To date some 50 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board an A380. Every five minutes, an A380 either takes off or lands at one of the 34 airports where it operates today and the network is constantly growing.

On this historic “airline order milestone” day, Emirates issued this statement:

Emirates airline has again rewritten all records in civil aviation with an order for 150 Boeing 777X, comprising 35 Boeing 777-8Xs and 115 Boeing 777-9Xs, plus 50 purchase rights; and an additional 50 Airbus A380 aircraft.

Left to Right: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO; Tom Enders, Chief Executive EADS; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Together, the Boeing and Airbus orders, excluding purchase rights, are worth an estimated $99 billion (US) at list prices. This is the largest ever aircraft order in civil aviation and also Emirates’ largest order announced at any event to date.

The agreement was signed today (November 17) at the Dubai Air Show by His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, with Jim McNerney, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO, and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and CEO. The signing was witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Emirates’ Boeing 777X order is the single largest aircraft order by value in the history of U.S. commercial aviation, and the additional A380 order cements Emirates, already the largest operator of this aircraft type, as the principal customer for the A380 worldwide. These latest orders bring Emirates’ total firm order book to 385 aircraft (excluding options or purchase rights), comprising 214 Boeing 777s, 101 Airbus A380s, and 70 A350s, at a total estimated value of US$ 166 billion.

Emirates’ Boeing 777X

“The announcement today includes the purchase of 300 GE9X engines from General Electric, to power the 150 Boeing 777X aircraft ordered. Taking into account the U.S. Government jobs multiplier (every $1 billion in US aerospace exports supports 5,747 American jobs), today’s historic order will protect and support over 436,000 jobs in U.S. aerospace manufacturing – not only at Boeing and GE facilities, but with hundreds of other suppliers,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

Emirates’ 777-8X and 777-9X will be a combination of two and three-class configurations, with the 777-8X potentially seating 342 passengers in 3 classes, and the 777-9X seating over 440 passengers in 2 classes.

“Emirates today operates more than one in every 10 Boeing 777 aircraft built. It is the workhorse of our fleet. What the 777X does, is offer us a flying range comparable with the 200LRs and 300ERs, but with more passenger capacity at potentially up to 18% more fuel efficiency,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

Emirates’ unwavering commitment to the Boeing 777 dates back to 1996. Today, Emirates is already the largest operator of the 777 with 131 in operation, and the only airline to fly all variants in the 777 family. At the 2011 Dubai Air Show, Emirates ordered 50 Boeing 777-300ERs with options for 20 more at a total value of US$ 26 billion (AED 95.4 billion). It was then a record breaking aircraft order– the single largest by any airline with Boeing in dollar value.

Emirates’ Airbus A380s

Emirates currently operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s with 39 in service.

Its order for 50 additional A380 aircraft today brings Emirates’ total A380 order book to 101 aircraft, worth US$ 45 billion. A combination of two and three-class cabin configuration, the first 25 of these latest A380 aircraft orders are scheduled to be delivered before the first quarter of 2018.

Emirates has been associated with Europe’s largest passenger aircraft since April 2000 when it became the first airline to announce plans to purchase the super jumbo. As the largest customer for the A380, Emirates is therefore the largest supporter of European aerospace manufacturing jobs tied to the A380 programme which is spread across Airbus’ manufacturing centres in France, Germany, England and Spain.

Copyright Photo: Karl Cornil/AirlinersGallery.com. Emirates’ Airbus A380-861 A6-EEC (msn 110) with special “Expo 2020 Dubai UAE” stickers completes its final approach into London (Heathrow).

Video: An inside look at the Emirates Operations Control Room, Dubai.

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Emirates (Dubai) on December 4 launched its newest route to Kabul, Afghanistan.

Kabul is the 138th destination of the fast growing airline and Afghanistan is the 78th country now served by the carrier.

The route is operated by an Airbus A340-500 configured in a three cabin configuration, offering 12 First Class, 42 Business Class and 204 Economy Class seats. Emirates is the only airline which offers First Class from Dubai to Kabul.

EK 640 will depart Dubai daily at 09.55 hours and arrive in Kabul at 13.15. The return flight, EK 641 will leave Kabul at 15.30 hours and arrive back in Dubai at 18.00.

The day before on December 3 Emirates celebrated the launch of Airbus A380 service to Los Angeles, becoming the world’s longest A380 service in operation.

The landmark flight, crossing the Russian Federation, the North Pole and Eastern Canada, has a published duration of 16 hours 20 minutes, more than enough time to delve into over 400 hours of in-flight Hollywood movies.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A340-541 A6-ERC (msn 485) arrives at Zurich.

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Video: The A380 inaugural flight to Los Angeles:

Emirates (Dubai) has received delivery of its 43^rd and 44^th A380 aircraft with a double delivery from Airbus’ Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany.

The 43^rd (A6-EER) and 44^th Emirates (A6-EES) A380s offer 14 seats in First Class, 76 seats in Business Class and 427 seats in Economy Class, and were put into service starting on December 21, initially operating on flights to Mauritius and Munich.

Both aircraft were handed over to the carrier on December 19.

Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of A380s, flying one in three of these modern jets in the skies today. Emirates was the first airline to order the aircraft back in 2000, and it ordered another 50 more at the Dubai Air Show in November.  In 2013, Emirates received 13 A380 aircraft and it expects to receive another 13 in 2014. The airline still has 96 more A380s worth $43 billion on order, of which 71 are expected to be delivered over the next five years, before the end of 2018.

From its Dubai hub and dedicated A380 terminal, Emirates’ A380s crisscross the globe flying to 24 destinations spanning Los Angeles to Auckland. Illustrating the range of the A380, Emirates’ currently operates the world’s longest nonstop A380 service (13,414 kilometers), with its daily A380 flight between Dubai and Los Angeles, launched earlier this month.  Emirates’ shortest A380 flight is between Bangkok and Hong Kong, clocking 1,900 kilometers.

Emirates’ current A380 destinations are:  Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mauritius, Melbourne, Moscow, Munich, New York JFK, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto, and Brisbane.

Emirates will start operating scheduled A380 services to Zurich from January 2014.

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Video: Emirates is now flying the A380 to the Mauritius islands, its 24th destination for the type:

Emirates (Dubai) will become the first airline to operate a regularly scheduled service to London Gatwick airport with an Airbus A380.

Starting March 30, 2014, the airline’s 489-seat A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300 ER on EK flight 09/10, bringing a 36 percent increase in capacity on one of its three daily flights.

Emirates will start operating scheduled A380 services to Zurich and Barcelona from January and February 2014 respectively.

Flight EK 009 will depart Dubai at 1500 (3 pm) and arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 1930 (7:30 pm). The return flight, EK 010, will leave London Gatwick at 2115 (9:15 pm) and arrive in Dubai at 0720 (7:20 am) the next day.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A380-861 A6-EDH (msn 025) taxies at Amsterdam with special Expo 2020 Dubai UAE markings.

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