Emirates Creates New Bridge Between Nz And Ireland

News Release, 10 January 2012

Emirates Creates New Bridge Between Nz And Ireland

Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, has launched its new Dublin service, its third new route to be added in the opening days of 2012 as the airline forges forward with its global expansion.

Emirates is now serving Dublin daily with an A330-200, providing First Class, Business Class and Economy Class travel and a direct connection with all four daily Emirates flights from New Zealand. EK 0161 leaves Dubai at 7am and arrives at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at 11.30am local time. EK 0162 departs Dublin at 12.55pm and lands in Dubai at 00.25am local time the next day.

“Today’s launch is a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. “We are now connecting Ireland not only to Dubai, but also to over 100 destinations throughout the world. Solid early bookings have demonstrated that the demand is there, opening up new markets for passengers and cargo to and from the republic.”

“The inauguration of this new daily service between Dubai and Dublin is a huge boost for Irish tourism, business and aviation. With a daily direct service between Dubai and Ireland, trade, tourism and relations between the two countries and beyond will continue to grow,” said Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. “It also considerably improves connectivity with India, Australia and New Zealand, which should result in a further increase in tourism numbers from these countries.”

Emirates has received an enthusiastic response to its Ireland launch after announcing the new service in September 2011. Last month, the airline hosted more than 800 guests at a high profile gala event to promote the new service at the Convention Centre Dublin, throwing in a surprise performance from musical legend Lionel Richie.

“Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), both of which fall under my remit, are working with Emirates to promote the route and Emirates Holidays has included Ireland in its holiday brochure for 2012,” added Mr Varadkar.

“We are delighted to welcome Emirates to Ireland, and I’m sure that this new daily service is merely the beginning of what promises to be a long and very successful partnership between Dublin Airport and Emirates,” commented Declan Collier, DAA Chief Executive Officer.

Along with the new routes to Dublin, Rio and Buenos Aires, Emirates will start flights to Lusaka and Harare on February 1, Dallas from February 2, Seattle effective March 1, and Ho Chi Minh from June 4.

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