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newswatcher
6th Nov 2001, 13:07
From the Dubai Gulf News:

"A new luxury service using sea planes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is due to start next month.

The service will be launched by Emarat Link Aviation, a new air shuttle service in the emirates, from the heart of the capital to the centre of Dubai with 12 flights a day, providing an easy and swift link between the two cities.

Emarat Link, a newly floated company with Abu Dhabi-based businessman Mohamed bin Thaaloob as chairman, has got approval from the authorities.

Emarat Link will use advanced Cessna Caravan aircraft that will fly in just 20 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, said Qutaiba Zahde, Marketing and Sales Manager of Emarat Link.

The first flight will be at 7am and other flights will be available every hour until 6pm. The first arrival at both cities will be at 7.30am.

"The service will be a convenient and time-saving connection between the two commercial hubs of the emirates," he said, adding that the primary targets of the service are tourists, businessmen and people who are frequent travellers.

The company, which will also be launched next month, is constructing a floating terminal next to Hiltonia Beach Club at the Corniche in Abu Dhabi and has already built a similar facility at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. A number of booking points have already been set up in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Qutaiba said Emarat Link has acquired two Cessna planes which are capable of landing and taking off from either water or land.

Each aircraft has a seating capacity of nine passengers. The introductory return fare has been fixed at Dh550(about 100 sterling).

The floating terminal has been designed to provide space, comfort and luxury to passengers who upon arrival will be welcomed by hostesses for a fast check-in.

"You will notice our unique floating terminal building and when you arrive at our terminal you just sit and relax with our Diamond Services, the most luxurious check in services," he added.

Qutaiba said the Cessna Caravan has one of the best safety records. The aircraft have luxurious seats, with plenty of legroom and each seat has a window.

Emarat Link will also arrange additional services for passengers such as rent-a-car facility in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Fully equipped conference rooms can also be arranged upon request.

"In the second phase, we have plans to expand this service to Fujairah and possibly other cities in all the emirates and neighbouring countries such as Oman if demand justifies it," he said."

Whooaahh
6th Nov 2001, 13:51
This is nothing new.

Another outfit tried this and failed back in 1998. Good people, but there just wasn't enough demand to sustain profitability.

Whooaahh!!!

bravo 2-0
7th Nov 2001, 09:55
Watched the airdisplay from Dubai 2000 yesterday on the local Dubai TV channel with the 2 Caravans doing their sedate thing after the Sukhois had just torn up the sky...

British TV commentator rambling on about features of the aircraft, including the rudders on the floats for use when taxying on water...mentioned that these need to be secure prior to landing or take off run..fair enough.. dont want any nasties colliding with a dhow on the creek!!

His advice to PAX if they happen to notice that the rudders are not secure prior to landing that they advise the skipper of the issue, and in that way they can ensure that recieve a crate of beer from a grateful skipper!! OOOPPPS!

I wonder how that was translated by his local colleague for the benefit of the good indigenous inhabitants... 'and for you, yanni, you can receive a lifetime supply of chi (tea)'!!!!