Emirates Airlines to double Australian services
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* March 22, 2007
ONE of the world's most luxurious airlines will double its Australian services by 2011.
Transport Minister Mark Vaile today announced Emirates Airlines will operate an additional 35 flights each week to Australia by 2011.
"I welcome the successful outcome of this week's negotiations with the United Arab Emirates which will provide Australia's airports and tourism industry with increased airline operations and tourists," Mr Vaile said in a statement.
Emirates will operate from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
"Recognising the importance of competition, the new arrangements will also allow new entrant Etihad Airways to operate an additional 21 flights each week to Australia by 2011," Mr Vaile said.
The announcement had been predicted for some time and comes one day after local carrier Virgin Blue took a major step in its plans to launch an international airline by signing a deal to buy six long-haul Boeing jets.
Brisbane Airport Corporation said the deal deftly balanced the need for competition against the health of local airlines.
"Emirates has shown a significant commitment to this market amid challenging times, and their investments have clearly demonstrated this world-leading airline is here for the long haul," corporation spokesman Jim Carden said.
Brisbane Airport is the fastest growing airport in Australia.
"We appreciated the very complex challenge the government has faced on this issue, and the many interests at play, but believe they have got the balance right," Mr Carden said.
"The increased capacity will go a long way to addressing the capacity crunch that we and other Australian airports have been facing, and the winners will be the travelling public and of course the many small and medium sized businesses that rely on competitive, healthy and importantly direct international air connections."
Along with the extra flights, Emirates will further add to the local economy through maintenance work.
Queensland government firm Aviation Australia has won a contract to support the training of engineering maintenance staff.
State Minister for Education, Training and the Arts Rod Welford said the contract was proof Queensland's pursuit of aviation business was paying off.
"Six years ago we set about establishing Aviation Australia and now we have a world class training operation with many international clients.
"We are delighted Emirates has shown further commitment to Australia by choosing our local company for its engineering training centre,'' Mr Welford said.
- AAP
From the Australian.
