Emirates Airlines will mark 10 years of services to Malta by offering daily flights to its international hub in Dubai, from 1 December, 2008.
The increase from the current five-times-a-week service is the latest in a series of milestones that reflect Emirates’ commitment to Malta, as it connects the island to one of the most exciting cities on earth – Dubai.
In addition, from 2 May 2008, Emirates will be changing its aircraft from a 2-class Boeing 777-200 to a larger Boeing 777-300 aircraft in a 3-class configuration of First, Business and Economy seats.
Speaking at a press conference held at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, Keith Longstaff, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Europe, said: “Today we mark three important milestones for Emirates and Malta. Firstly Emirates is celebrating its 10th Anniversary since the start of operations in Malta in March 1998. Malta was among the earlier countries in Europe to be served by Emirates, and became the 41st destination worldwide. Today, Emirates flies to 99 cities in 62 countries from its international hub in Dubai.”
“We are very pleased with the commitment and professionalism shown by our Maltese staff, and we thank the travel and cargo agents for helping Emirates develop its unrivalled reputation for service excellence,” he said. “With more flights and the use of larger aircraft, we expect Emirates to inject even more into the Maltese economy in the coming months and years ahead.”
Offering a total of 358 seats, as well as 18 tonnes of cargo capacity from Malta to Dubai via Larnaca in Cyprus, the new aircraft is replacing the B777-200 which was initially introduced in May 2007.
Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, gave a brief overview of Emirates development in Malta over the last decade. He said: “Emirates is now one of the main scheduled carriers in Malta. Our service between Malta and Cyprus has been a great success for both countries and Emirates. The additional flights and seating on the Malta-Larnaca-Dubai route will offer passengers from Malta and cargo customers daily access to Emirates ever-growing network of destinations. ”
“We are confident that our clients will enjoy the luxurious comforts of the Boeing 777-300, and the highest level of service and care by our cabin crew throughout the flight.” said Mr Fleri Soler.
Emirates employs 124 employees of Maltese citizens as pilots, cabin crew and ground handling staff involved in operations, sales and administration. This number is set to rise in the coming years.
In addition, from December 2008, Emirates SkyCargo will be handling outgoing and incoming cargo items, including perishable goods, on a daily basis. This will ensure greater flexibility for our customers, shorter delivery times, as well as enhanced freshness where temperature-critical goods are concerned. Emirates SkyCargo currently offers 18 tonnes of cargo in the belly-hold of the Boeing 777-200 aircraft.
Emirates flies five times-a-week between Malta and Dubai with a stopover in Larnaca, Cyprus on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The route is served with a Boeing 777-200, and connects Malta to more than 99 cities in 62 countries through Emirates’ international hub in Dubai.
Emirates EK 107 departs from Dubai International Airport at 08:15hrs and arrives in Larnaca at 10:25 hrs. The flight goes onward to Malta, departing Larnaca at 11:30 hrs and arrives in Malta at 13:20 hrs.
EK 108 departs from Malta International Airport at 14:50 hrs and arrives in Larnaca at 18:10 hrs, then onward to Dubai and departing Larnaca at 19:30 hrs, arriving in Dubai at 00:40 hrs the next day.
Emirates offers convenient connections for Maltese passengers travelling to and from Australia or the Far East. For flight information and bookings visit www.emirates.com.mt