Emirates is already planning to offer additional ex-Dublin seat capacity during 2012 with the introduction of the Airbus A340 – even before the Dubai carrier commences operating its new daily Dublin – Dubai service with an A330-200 on 9th January next.
The change of equipment will see an increase in Economy Class seats from 183 to 213, an extra 30 seats each way. First and Business Class seats will remain the same at 12 and 42 respectively.
This will be the first time that the A340 has operated a scheduled service from Dublin Airport – which is currently unable to accommodate the new and even larger A380 aircraft.
“Excellent Start”
Launching the new Dublin – Dubai route at the Emirates World event in the Convention Centre, Dublin, last week, Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide, said: “We can see unusually high demand for the first two weeks after launch. This is an excellent response from the Irish market and we have not witnessed this level of bookings, nor such strong interest in a new route, for many years. This gives us huge confidence in Ireland and the figures support the commercial research that precedes any decision we take to launch a new service.
“Dublin has always been on our radar and there are already strong levels of trade and tourism activity between Ireland and the UAE, not to mention the important equine affiliations. Equally, Emiratis like to travel to Europe, particularly during the hot UAE summer and, with its rich cultural heritage and reputation for hospitality, we think that Emirates will have a role to play in encouraging inward tourism to Ireland.”
Spectacular Launch
Emirates World was undoubtedly the most spectacular launch event of the year for the Irish travel industry.
Ed Burke of Twohigs told ITTN: “I thought the venue was superb – and in particular the Emirates branding. The presentation was extremely informative and their hospitality was superb. In fact, the evening brought good cheer to an otherwise depressed industry. I wish Emirates well.”
John Galligan of John Galligan Travel said: “The event was outstanding and very impressive – it was the best and biggest launch I have seen in Ireland and it was run like a dream.”
David Hyeems of Trailfinders added: “It was a fabulous night and a fitting event to launch the Emirates service from Dublin. About one third of our 90 staff in Dublin and Cork attended and they really enjoyed themselves!”
Not only was the Convention Centre, Dublin rebranded as Emirates World for the event, Emirates also placed front-page advertisements in the daily newspapers and has rebranded a complete DART train, inside and out. Watch the video on ittn.ie!
Please note that TAP Air Portugal operated the Airbus A 340 on schedule services to both Faro and Lisbon.
I wish Emirates would start planning to begin a flight from Cork Airport!
Sorry man – the runway is way too small for such a big plane.