EMIRATES renewed its relations with two of the world's fastest growing economies, India and China, as its inaugural flights to both Guangzhou and Kozhikode took off from Dubai International Airport.
Emirates is launching six flights a week each to Guangzhou, increasing the airline's frequency to the country to 48 flights. Kozhikode advances the airline's India presence to 125 flights per week - the highest frequency operated by an international carrier serving India.
Richard Vaughan, senior vice-president, commercial operations East Asia and Australasia; Pradeep Kumar, senior vice-president, cargo revenue optimisation; and Salem Obaidalla, senior vice-president, commercial operations, West Asia, Indian Ocean and Africa flagged off the inaugural flights.
Vaughan thanked the Chinese government and aviation authorities for their support and stressed Emirates' commitment to the market. "Emirates' sprawling global network, including 22 European and 15 African gateways, will support China's economic and tourism industries. Emirates services will assist the Chinese tourism authorities in their drive to attract more tourists and at the same time strengthen the trade momentum between China and Africa, currently growing at a robust 30 per cent.
"Emirates' efficient and reliable air links will facilitate inbound arrivals from over 60 countries on six continents, and will support the Chinese authorities as they ready to welcome over half a million international tourists for the Beijing Olympics 2008."
Obaidalla, said: "Emirates presently operates services to Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. The launch of Emirates' flights to Kozhikode will allow international tourists to cover the length and breadth of Kerala more conveniently, by enabling them to arrive in Northern Kerala and depart from the state's southern region or vice-versa. The new flights will also serve Keralites living in the Gulf region and visiting home each year.
"Emirates has a robust presence in the Middle East, serving the region with 163 weekly flights to 12 gateways via its Dubai hub. We have timed our flights such that they offer convenient connections to Kozhikode via Dubai."
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