Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, achieved a new milestone as it touched down to the vibrant beats of the African drums at Cape Town, its 100th global destination, and second gateway in South Africa.

Signalling the start of daily, non-stop flights between Dubai, the nerve centre of the Middle East, and Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the inaugural flight EK 770 received a traditional water canon salute while onboard passengers were greeted by a pulsating performance by members of the Marimba band.

Adnan Kazim, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Africa, noted: “Emirates is grateful to the South African government and airport officials for assisting us in the successful start of our daily operations to Cape Town.”

Cape Town represents the first new gateway to be launched by Emirates in 2008. The airline has already announced its plans to start services to Calicut, India and Guangzhou, China, both on 1 July followed by Los Angeles on 1 September.

Emirates EK770 will depart Dubai daily at 08:35 hrs, arriving in Cape Town at 16:25 hrs. Return flight EK771 will take off from Cape Town International Airport at 18:10 hrs and touch down at Dubai International Airport at 05:40 hrs the following day.

Emirates flies five times weekly from Dubai to Malta via Larnaca in Cyprus, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Boeing 777-200. The Malta route gives a convenient connection to outgoing and incoming passengers from Australia and the Far East.