...and add further destinations
from Khaleej Times(13/11):
"EMIRATES airline has announced plans to add four new destinations to its ever-growing network in the next year and increase frequencies to 17 existing destinations.
In total, the four new routes and the increased flights will amount to an increase in total capacity of 26 per cent. They will also provide travellers from the Middle East region with greater choice and flexibility. At the same time, they will enhance Dubai's position as a premier transit point to destinations around the globe.
Emirates, one of the world's fastest-growing international carriers, will launch new services to Kochi (Cochin) on December 2, 2002 (subject to government approval). Kochi will be followed by Lagos (subject to government approval) on March 31, Moscow on July 1 and Shanghai on August 2, 2003. Airbus 330-200 jets, offering a three-class service, will be operated on all four routes.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group and president of Dubai Civil Aviation Department said: "The introduction of these new routes, coupled with our intention to launch services to the US next year, will secure Emirates a place as a truly global carrier.
"Our plans for growth are further underlined by our $15 billion aircraft order book, which includes 22 of the new double-deck Airbus A380s, which will be the world's largest aircraft when they enter service from 2006." Flights to Manchester, Bangkok, Munich and Muscat will be increased to two per day, while those to Sydney become daily.
Across the network, existing flights will be increased as follows:
Europe: Manchester - Daily to two daily service (June 1); Munich -12 flights weekly to two daily (March 30); Malta/Tripoli - Three flights weekly to four flights a week (May 1);Paris - Seven flights weekly to 11 flights per week (July 1 subject to government approval); Istanbul - Four flights weekly to five flights per week (July 1). Pacific Rim/Australia: Sydney - Four flights weekly to daily service (March 30); Bangkok - 10 flights weekly to double daily (March 30); Hong Kong - 10 flights weekly to 13 flights per week (May 1).
Subcontinent/Africa: Karachi 14 flights per week to 21 flights per week (July 1); Khartoum - Three flights weekly to five flights per week (May 1).
Middle East: Teheran -10 flights weekly to 14 flights per week (May 1); Jeddah - Five flights weekly to six flights per week (March 30); Doha -17 flights weekly to thrice daily (March 30); Dammam - Four flights weekly to five flights per week (March 30); Muscat - Daily to double daily service (July 1); Sanaa - Three flights weekly to five flights per week (July 1)."