ABU DHABI, 24 May 2024: Etihad Airways carried more than 1.4 million passengers in April, with the average load factor reaching 84% across the month, according to the airline’s preliminary traffic statistics for April 2024
“In April, we experienced 39% year-on-year growth in customers, further underlining our positive growth trajectory and contributing to a 4% boost in load factor, despite a considerable increase in capacity against the same period in 2023,” said Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “Our year-to-date (YTD) passenger figures at 5.7 million are 41% higher than at year-todate April 2023.
“These figures come on the back of robust first-quarter 2024 financial results with Q1 earnings equivalent to our total net income for the entire financial year 2023 and underline our ongoing commitment to resilience, customer service, and efficiency.
“We continue to grow our network and our frequency to match customer demand, and in April, we successfully reintroduced our much-loved A380 onto our New York route while announcing plans to add it to our flights to Paris from 1 November,” the CEO concluded.
Etihad performance highlights
During the first Quarter of 2024 (January to March), Etihad increased frequencies to key destinations and launched new flights to Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Boston, It also announced additional routes to Antalya and Jaipur. The additional capacity led to a 34% increase in Etihad’s weekly flights. As it heads for the summer peak season, June to August it is expanding flights from 642 (2023) to 858 in 2024.
BANGKOK, 23 May 2024: Home to a famous UNESCO World Heritage historical park, Ayutthaya promises an immersive and unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts, temple explorers, Instagrammers, food lovers, and cafe aficionados. Stay for an overnight or more to discover this captivating historical town with its timeless charm.
When exploring Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, the ancient city of Ayutthaya stands out as a must-visit destination. Located just 80 km north of Bangkok on the banks of a Chao Phraya River island, this historical gem is a popular day trip for many visitors. Weekenders often come here to escape Bangkok, have a family lunch, spend leisure time with friends, and capture perfect photo backdrops for their social media accounts.
Enhancing the Ayutthaya experience, the recently opened hotel, Centara Ayutthaya, adds fresh insights and nuances for travellers exploring Ayutthaya, providing modern lifestyle comforts infused with the local charm that creates an immersive experience to enjoy even more of this captivating city.
Situated adjacent to the Central Ayutthaya Mall, Centara Ayutthaya is the first international hospitality brand to open in Ayutthaya. It offers 224 rooms and suites and function rooms catering to family occasions and business events, especially corporate meetings.
Centara Ayutthaya General Manager Sakchai Puiphunthawong emphasised: “Ayutthaya continues to have high potential as a travel and MICE destination with temples and the UNESCO-listed Historic City of Ayutthaya remaining the key tourist attractions. The timeless city of Ayutthaya continues to attract travellers, especially local weekenders, who visit to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.
Since its launch early this year, the hotel has seen 70% domestic travellers and guests from Asia and Europe. The hotel has seen continuous month-on-month growth in both leisure and MICE segments and anticipates a more diverse international mix of the international market after the fourth quarter.”
To enhance the visitor experience through overnight stays in Ayutthaya, the Centara lifestyle touches are reflected in the interior design and blend with the city’s historical charm. Standing tall as the highest building in Ayutthaya town, the property features a rooftop infinity pool. It offers panoramic skyline views for guests as they unwind in the pool or enjoy the fitness centre’s top-rated gear that caters to serious fitness enthusiasts. At its all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy an afternoon tea set, showcasing delectable Thai desserts artfully presented for a taste of Thai culture.
Accommodating a diverse range of guests, the hotel even welcomes pet parents to enjoy a break in Ayutthaya with their furry companions tagging along without their pet having to comply with any weight restrictions. This pet-friendly stance means a dedicated floor with pet-friendly rooms, an indoor and outdoor pet-friendly café and restaurant, and menus crafted specifically for pets.
With three function spaces, the hotel can accommodate events ranging from board-style meetings to larger gatherings of up to 250 delegates.
Additionally, the hotel’s co-location with the Central Ayutthaya Mall provides guests with direct access to shopping, dining, and lifestyle events on the mall’s doorstep.
Opting for an overnight stay in Ayutthaya enhances the experience beyond a day trip. With rooms featuring day beds ideal for families, an overnight stay in Ayutthaya allows relaxing and enjoying views of sunrise and sunset over the city, often missed on a day trip. Having ample time to explore the historic city’s attractions without feeling rushed, guests can fully enjoy Ayutthaya. Here are ways to enjoy this captivating destination:
Historical Treasures and Trendy Pleasures
Ayutthaya offers a perfect photo backdrop that includes historical and lifestyle options. Step into a world of colour and tradition with a traditional costume guaranteed to add a touch of magic to social media snaps. For Thais, the trend took off years ago following a popular Thai period drama, and it has been followed by tourists retracing ‘Lisa’s’ footsteps during her visit to Ayutthaya with family. A snapshot of her wearing Pha Tung, a sarong skirt in an ancient temple, received more than 11.4 million Likes on Instagram. In Ayutthaya, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a favourite backdrop for traditional costume photography, with numerous rental shops nearby offering costumes for a few hundred baht.
Blessings Abound
With a rich history and religious heritage, Ayutthaya is home to temples that have earned enduring respect. Visitors come to Ayutthaya to admire the historical sites, pay homage to the Buddha in ancient temples and seek inner peace through meditation and wellness options. Ayutthaya remains a pilgrimage destination for the ‘Wai Pra Kao Wat,’ a journey to nine temples believed to bring luck and prosperity. Many local operators offer customised boat trips for temple tours around the island in Ayutthaya’s ancient town, where three rivers converge.
From Pedals to Three Wheels
Cycling through Ayutthaya offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient city’s history. Weekenders from Bangkok can either bring their bikes on the train or conveniently rent them upon arrival. This leisurely transport mode allows a deeper exploration of the city’s historical sites and museums. Alternatively, experiencing Ayutthaya via Tuk Tuk presents another charming opportunity to delve into the local way of life. This traditional transportation adds an authentic touch to exploration, immersing travellers in Ayutthaya’s sights, sounds, and vibrant atmosphere.
Culinary Tapestry Beyond the Temples
Ayutthaya’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from authentic Thai royal-style cuisine to budget-friendly boat noodles. Take the opportunity to try the fresh grilled river prawns or river fish. This menu attracts weekend visitors to Ayutthaya, making riverside restaurants lively on weekends. The destination’s wide range of culinary delights has earned it a place in the Michelin Guide, with 34 restaurants highlighted and 15 recognised under Bib Gourmand.
Café Hopping: Sip and Sightsee Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is home to various trendy cafes, each with its unique style, offering everything from local flavours to minimal chic. These cafes provide a modern twist to the historical journey. Many allow visitors to enjoy their favourite brew while taking in panoramic views of the majestic historical sites along the riverbanks. One must-try is ‘The Summer Coffee,’ an original Ayutthaya brand. Their signature drink, ‘Ayutthaya Coffee,’ is an iced coffee topped with candy floss, a popular sweet treat in Ayutthaya, offering a fun and refreshing twist. In addition to the Old Town branch, there is also a branch located at Centara Ayutthaya.
Exploring Ayutthaya’s Diverse Markets
Exploring Ayutthaya’s markets is one of the best ways to experience the local culture. From delicious food and local treats to beautiful handicrafts and the famous ‘Elephant Pants,’ there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Several options exist, such as the Ayutthaya Floating Market, where vendors sell from boats, providing a picturesque experience. The Chao Phrom Market is the main marketplace in Ayutthaya town, attracting people looking for fresh cooking ingredients, fruits, souvenirs, clothes, and various miscellaneous items. Additionally, those staying overnight in Ayutthaya can enjoy a stroll in the evening at the Ayutthaya Night Market, which is open from Friday to Sunday.
For those seeking a deeper connection with Ayutthaya’s rich heritage, an overnight stay opens doors to immersive experiences that weave together the city’s ancient past with its contemporary lifestyle spirit, promising a journey into a vibrant tapestry of culture.
KUCHING, Malaysia, 23 May 2024: Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, confirmed the Sarawak Tourism Destination Resilience programme reached its target of 60 participants at a launch presentation earlier this week 20 May.
The programme is underway at the Imperial Hotel Kuching and concludes on 24 May with a closing ceremony and certificate awards.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Sarawak’s journey towards tourism recovery, sustainability, and growth, responding to the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Tourism Destination Resilience Programme is a collaborative effort between the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The minister commented: “Tourism is more than just an economic engine – it is a force for good, a bridge between cultures, and a catalyst for positive change. We must ensure that our tourism practices are sustainable, ethical and inclusive, respecting both our visitors’ needs and our environment’s integrity.
Key objectives of the programme include evaluating, mitigating, and managing risks; strengthening adaptive capacity; promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices; preserving cultural heritage; and advocating for safety and security within the tourism landscape.
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor noted: “The TDR programme aims to equip the Sarawak Tourism Board, key destination stakeholders, and tourism MSMEs with a comprehensive understanding of the steps to build resilience and foster greater sustainability. The overarching goal is to enable these stakeholders to develop and execute a robust action plan that promotes resilience and sustainable tourism growth in the destination and MSMEs operations.”
https://youtu.be/f8NnjAeb304?si=6-LqrfvZrOM2dxEr
The programme’s comprehensive curriculum comprises 12 modules crafted to address the needs and challenges Sarawak’s tourism industry faces. Over the next five days, participants, including policymakers, SMEs, and business owners, would engage in immersive sessions to enhance their understanding of Tourism Destination Resilience.
As the Sarawak Tourism Destination Resilience programme begins, it embodies a collective vision for the future of Sarawak’s tourism landscape. With esteemed partners like the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the unwavering support of industry leaders, this initiative heralds a new era of collaboration and innovation.
BANGKOK, 23 May 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) take a nibble at a new partnership involving the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF), the only association solely representing tourism in East Asia.
Despite the obvious duplication in membership between the two associations in East Asia, TTR Weekly asked PATA Chair Peter Semone if the MoU might open opportunities to shore up participation in PATA events or possibly lead to cross-membership.
Picture: L/R: Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; Hyeon Jun-Tae, Secretary General, EATOF; Joo Eun Joung, International Team Leader, Gangwon State Government and Secretariat, EATOF; Kim Nuri, Specialist, EATOF.
“(It should) strengthen attendance at events and bolster PATA’s secondary city engagement and relevance to support the dispersion of tourism for improved sustainability,” Semone responded. “This can reduce pressure on the carrying capacity of Asia’s gateway destinations. It will also spread the benefits of tourism to more people, and eventually, this could result in additional members.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by EATOF Secretary General Hyeon Jun-Tae and PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid last week during the PATA Annual Summit 2024 (PAS 2024) in Macao, China. PATA Chair Peter Semone and Joo Eun Joung, International Team Leader, Gangwon State Government and EATOF Secretariat, witnessed the signing on stage.
“PATA is delighted to solidify our relationship with the East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation, and we look forward to working closely with EATOF in the coming years,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “By collaborating on innovative initiatives, we can harness the collective strength of our members to support both organisations’ efforts toward the responsible development of tourism across the Asia Pacific region.”
The MoU was signed during the ‘Partnerships for Tomorrow’ session of the PAS 2024 programme. It represents PATA and EATOF’s joint commitment to establish an alliance to activate tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The MoU stands as a testament to how strategic collaborations are key to propelling sustainable development forward and promoting resilience and innovation across the global tourism landscape.
“As the Secretary-General of EATOF, I am pleased that EATOF is stepping up into a global tourism alliance by signing an MOU with PATA, a pillar of Asia Pacific Tourism,” said EATOF Secretary-General and Director-General of Gangwon State, Korea (ROK), Hyeon Jun-Tae. “We will strive to contribute to boosting local tourism through various businesses, including mutual collaboration in tourism, youth engagement, big data analysis, and more.”
The MoU outlines promising collaborations between PATA and EATOF aimed at fostering mutual participation in significant events hosted by each association (namely the EATOF General Assembly and the PATA Annual Summit), sharing exemplary sustainable practices, and facilitating collaborative initiatives spanning from educational endeavours to regional tourism programmes.
The East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) was formed in 2000 by nine local government agencies in East Asia, with Gangwon State leading the way. Through collaborative efforts of each member province, EATOF has sought to increase its membership, reinforce the foundation for further cooperation, and ensure more active exchange between its members. Ten member provinces in ten countries are currently participating, with the EATOF Secretariat located in Gangwon State, Korea (ROK).
HONG KONG, 23 Monday 2024: Holiday season travel and large-scale events were the drivers prompting a surge in leisure and business passenger traffic in April, according to Cathay Pacific’s latest traffic figures for April 2024,
Cathay Pacific carried 1,741,585 passengers in April 2024, an increase of 26.1% compared with April 2023. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 27.8% year-on-year. Passenger load factor decreased by 5.4 percentage points to 81.6%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 36.2% year-on-year. In the first four months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 47.3% to a total of 7,143,363, against a 50.9% increase in ASKs and a 42.3% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.
The airline carried 117,428 tonnes of cargo in April 2024, an increase of 7.4% compared with April 2023. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) decreased 0.4% year-on-year. The cargo load factor decreased by 4.2 percentage points to 59.5%, while available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 6.6% year-on-year. In the first four months of 2024, the tonnage increased by 10.1% to a total of 473,808 tonnes, against a 12.9% increase in AFTKs and a 4.5% increase in RFTKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.
Travel
Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “April was another good month for our travel business with multiple holiday periods and large-scale events stimulating business and leisure travel. “At the start of April, we saw an increase in both inbound and outbound traffic as people travelled to and from Hong Kong for Easter and the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
“Shortly after that, festive periods in Indonesia and Thailand contributed to a rise in traffic from Southeast Asia to Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Japan and other regional destinations. Then, towards the end of April, we saw strong pre-holiday demand from the Chinese Mainland and leisure traffic from Japan coinciding with the respective ‘Golden Week’ holidays in these two markets.
“In addition to leisure travel, April also saw healthy demand for business travel. The Canton Fair in Guangzhou was a notable driver, in particular for business travel from the United States. Our intermodal codeshare ferry services linking Hong Kong International Airport and Pazhou Ferry Terminal in Guangzhou provided convenient access to the exhibition centre and proved to be popular with overseas customers who transited via Hong Kong.”
Cargo
In terms of cargo, tonnage was 13% lower in April than in March. The decrease was expected given the strong quarter-end demand in March and the holidays that fell in the first half of April. However, compared with April last year, tonnage was 7% higher.
Outlook
“This month, the Individual Visit Scheme will be expanded to include eight more cities on the Chinese mainland, enabling residents in these cities to visit Hong Kong in their individual capacity. This is a welcomed development that will attract more visitors to Hong Kong, strengthen Hong Kong’s tourism sector and contribute to its continued growth and development. We look forward to providing premium services for more customers from the Chinese Mainland. As a Group, we will be operating up to 210 return flights per week between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland this summer season,” Lau concluded.
Over the coming months, Cathay Group will continue to add more destinations and flights to its network. These include Cathay Pacific’s Barcelona service, which will resume next month, and HK Express’s Sanya and Clark services in May and June, respectively. Regarding travel demand, students returning to Hong Kong for the summer will provide a boost in June and July, while the outlook for the summer peak remains promising.
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 May 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) urges the government to extend fuel subsidies to tourism vehicles, including all types of licensed tourism vehicles (not just buses) in the upcoming subsidy allocation in June 2024.
MATTA represents over 3,000 tour and travel companies in Malaysia. The tourism industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many tour operators struggling to stay afloat. Providing subsidies for tour buses would provide much-needed relief for these companies as domestic tourism starts to recover.
According to MATTA President Nigel Wong: “School and express busses currently receive fuel subsidies from the government. We hope the government will also consider extending this to tourism vehicle operators. The tourism industry desperately needs help to remain competitive, and fuel costs are a major expense for tour operators.”
With the recent increase in tourism footfall in Malaysia, “Bus Persiaran has become essential for facilitating tourists’ travel within the country. By extending the fuel subsidy to include Bus Persiaran, tour operators can reduce operational costs, offer more competitive pricing, and attract even more visitors to Malaysia as a travel destination,” said Wong.
We urge the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to consider integrating bus services into the subsidy framework.
MATTA remains committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure that implementing new rules for diesel subsidies encompasses the vital aspect of bus transportation, thus contributing to a more efficient and inclusive public transport network for the nation.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 23 May 2024: Saudia Group, represented by Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier, has signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo Family aircraft.
The order comprises 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft, increasing Saudia Group’s Airbus aircraft order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft.
The agreement was announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh in the presence of HE Saleh bin Nasser AIJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HE Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.
Saudia will increase flights and seat capacity across its 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion under the Saudi Vision 2030 master plan. The aim is to attract more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims annually.
“The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said
Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, the highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.”
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which targets more than 150 million tourists by 2030, is set to receive a significant boost with this order. The A320neo Family aircraft from Airbus will play a pivotal role in strengthening the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming one of the top global tourism destinations, offering unparalleled range, performance, and fuel efficiency.
The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, not only offers unparalleled range and performance but also brings significant environmental benefits. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. This commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by the fact that the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 May 2024: AirAsia MOVE, the Online Travel Agency of Capital A, released its lowest exclusive fares for AirAsia flights on its one-stop-shop platform.
As the official booking platform for airlines within the AirAsia Group, travellers will be able to capture the best value fares on the AirAsia MOVE app for all domestic and ASEAN AirAsia flights (flight codes: AK, D7, FD, QZ, Z2, KT) across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia starting from as low as MYR39 all-in one-way.
(Third and fourth from left) Paul Carroll, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia and Dabraj Sing, Chief Business Officer, AirAsia MOVE, officiating AirAsia MOVE’s lowest AirAsia fares campaign.
Key features
More ancillary options such as additional luggage, inflight meals, travel protection, and more, which can be booked directly on the app with up to 30% savings. Ability to check and monitor AirAsia flight status within the app. Conveniently manage flight bookings & check-in for all AirAsia flights. Earn AirAsia points to travel and redeem flights and hotels.
AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer said: “At AirAsia MOVE, our vision is to be ASEAN’s favourite travel companion that creates inclusive and delightful journeys, and as Asia’s Leading OTA*, we are proud to be the exclusive travel platform to offer the lowest base fares for all AirAsia group of airlines’ flights, enabling more people to access affordable travel conveniently. This is an expansion of how our biggest airline partner’s wide connectivity has benefited many across the region to fulfil their dreams to travel, complemented by key features of our AirAsia MOVE app to enhance each traveller’s journey. Download the AirAsia MOVE app today, and check out the best deals across all of AirAsia group of airlines’ wide flight network, especially throughout the promo period from now until 2 June 2024.”
SINGAPORE, 22 May 2024: Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was forced to make a medical emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday following a sudden extreme turbulence incident over the Irrawaddy basin Myanmar.
In a press statement, the airline said the plane was flying at 37,000 feet when it encountered “sudden extreme turbulence 10 hours into the flight between London Heathrow and Singapore.
The interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was trashed by sudden extreme turbulence over Myanmar. SQ321 made a medical emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 21 May. (Photo credit: REUTERS/Stringer).
Flightradar24’s flight tracking data indicates the aircraft encountered a “suspected turbulence event” that recorded at one point a negative vertical rate of 1,500 (fPM) while flying over the southern tip of the Irrawaddy delta in Myanmar. The plane landed at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1600 Tuesday. Earlier reports of a 6,000-foot drop in four minutes were subsequently corrected by Flightradar24 statement on Facebook on Wednesday.
A 73-year-old British citizen, Geoff Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack, and 58 people were injured and hospitalised in three Bangkok hospitals, with at least two in ICUs. The airline reported 211 passengers and 18 crew members were on board the Boeing 777-300ER.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong sent his condolences to the family members and loved ones of the man who was killed in the incident. In a Facebook post, the PM said they were “all saddened and shocked by what happened. We are working closely with Thai authorities and doing everything we can to support the passengers and crew.”
SIA provided a breakdown of the nationalities of the passengers on board SQ321:
6 from Australia, 2 from Canada, 1 from Germany, 3 from India, 2 from Indonesia, 1 from Iceland, 4 from Ireland, 1 from Israel, 16 from Malaysia, 2 from Myanmar, 23 from New Zealand, 5 from the Philippines, 41 from Singapore, 1 from South Korea, 2 from Spain, 47 from the United Kingdom, and 4 from the United States.
“Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), an arm of the Transport Ministry, is investigating what happened on SQ321,” Channel News Asia reported.
DUBAI UAE, 21 May 2024: Emirates will resume services to Nigeria from 1 October 2024, operating a daily service between Lagos and Dubai and offering customers more choice and connectivity from Nigeria’s largest city to and through Dubai.
The service will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER. EK783 will depart Dubai at 0945 and arrive in Lagos at 1520; the return flight, EK784, will leave Lagos at 1730 and arrive in Dubai at 0510 the next day. Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “We are excited to resume our services to Nigeria. The Lagos-Dubai service has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria. We hope to reconnect leisure and business travellers to Dubai and our network of over 140 destinations. We thank the Nigerian government for their partnership and support in re-establishing this route, and we look forward to welcoming passengers back onboard.”
With the resumption of operations to Nigeria, Emirates operates to 19 gateways in Africa with 157 flights per week from Dubai, with further reach to an additional 130 regional points in Africa through its codeshare and interline partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, Royal Air Maroc, Tunis Air, among others.
As a major African economic hub, Nigeria and the UAE have built strong bilateral trade relations over the years, headlined by Lagos as the nation’s commercial centre. With the resumption of daily passenger flights, the airline’s cargo arm, Emirates SkyCargo, will further bolster the trade relationship by offering more than 300 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity in and out of Lagos every week.
Emirates SkyCargo will support Nigerian businesses by exporting their goods via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai into key markets such as the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Bahrain, among others, with key anticipated commodities such as Kola Nuts, food and beverages, and urgent courier material. Emirates SkyCargo will also import vital goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and general cargo from key markets such as the UAE, India and Hong Kong.
The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER serving Lagos will operate with eight first class suites, 42 business class seats, and 304 economy class seats. Offering the best experience in the sky, passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can tune in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including 23 Nigerian movies, in addition to series and other content on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
For flight information and to make bookings visit www.emirates.com
