Emirates unveils 2009 expansion plans

Emirates has unveiled its plans for expansion in 2009, which include a 14 per cent increase in the number of flights across its network by the end of the year.

The carrier also plans to boost its fleet with 18 new passenger aircraft, with four Airbus A380s expected to be in its ownership by the end of 2009, followed by a further seven in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Major route developments will include new services from Dubai to Durban in South Africa from October as Emirates focuses on Africa and the Middle East as its key regions.

As new aircraft come into operation, the airline will expand its range of available flights from Dubai to Brisbane, Melbourne, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Commenting on the airline's strategy for the coming year, Emirates chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: "We will concentrate on strengthening our presence on routes where there is a greater demand from our customers.

"All of our new capacity will be deployed in markets where we see growth potential, particularly Africa and the Middle East."

Some 22 million Emirates customers passed through Dubai International Airport in 2008, 11 per cent more than the previous year.

Posted by Merv, 20 February 2009 17:39

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