Emirates Double-Decker Goes Double Daily Through Auckland

News Release, 2 October 2012

Emirates Double-Decker Goes Double Daily Through Auckland

New Zealand was placed firmly in Emirates’ history book on Tuesday, when Auckland became one of only a few destinations on the airline’s ever growing network to welcome the Airbus A380 twice daily.

Since 2009, one of Emirates’ four daily flights to and from New Zealand, the Auckland service via Sydney, has been flown by the A380. From Tuesday, a second A380 has become part of the New Zealand schedule, with the aircraft replacing a Boeing 777-300ER on the Auckland service via Melbourne.

On board the first A380 flight from Dubai via Melbourne into Auckland, as it arrived through a welcoming water cannon arch, was Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Far East and Australasia. In command of the aircraft was Captain Thomas Ziarno, originally from Auckland.

Among the key guests at the reception marking the occasion were New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Transport, the Hon. Simon Bridges, the Auckland Airport company chairwoman, Joan Withers, and Emirates Vice President for Australasia, Barry Brown.

“The Emirates A380 has struck a responsive chord since we introduced it to New Zealand in February 2009. Two and a half years down the track, it is still an aircraft on which people seek to fly and request by type when they book, such is the comfort and experience in all three classes of travel,” said Mr Obaidalla.

He said the growth in Emirates’ business in New Zealand had given the airline the confidence to introduce a second daily A380. He also expressed his gratitude to the Auckland Airport company for creating the facilities for multiple A380 arrivals.

“Additionally, we are grateful for the approach of the New Zealand Government, which has allowed us to grow our capacity as we create demand and grow the market,” said Mr Obaidalla.

“Emirates A380 services to Melbourne and Auckland are a key component to the Global Aviation Partnership announced with Qantas in September. Pending regulatory approval, from April 2013 New Zealand travellers will experience seamless connectivity across the Emirates and Qantas networks, exclusive frequent flyer benefits, plus greater choice of flights and the launch of new city-pairs, connecting the Emirates and Qantas’ Trans-Tasman networks to 10 daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Dubai – four of which will be non-stop A380 services - connecting to over 70 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” said Mr Obaidalla.

In August next year, Emirates will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its services to New Zealand. It has been a story of continuing investment and commitment.

Since starting services in 2003, Emirates’ expenditure and investment in the New Zealand market has totalled over NZ$750 million, and the airline spent more than NZ$11 million on marketing Destination New Zealand in the last financial year.

“In addition to employing over 400 New Zealanders, including Captain Ziarno, who flew the A380 here today from Melbourne, we contribute to the economy and the community in many ways; including the Rugby World Cup last year and our ongoing support for Emirates Team New Zealand, “ concluded Mr Obaidalla.

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