Emirates’ inaugural flight from Dubai arrived into Dublin this morning, with the A330-200 being escorted from landing to the apron by a fleet of Dublin Airport Fire Service vehicles. Onboard were Emirates’ President, Tim Clark; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation; Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President-Cargo; and Colm McLoughlin, Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free.
Tim Clark told assembled guests: “We have been talking with Dublin Airport Authority for more than 10 years and we were very impressed when Terminal 2 was built, demonstrating their commitment to the future. Passenger and freight demand have been very strong, with load factors above 90% for the first couple of months. We could even turn into profit on the route within the first six months – and that’s very good going.
“Our A330s are entering their retirement phase and will be replaced by B777s. Dublin has been scheduled for B777 service in 18 months time, but it could be sooner.”
Asked by ITTN when lounges might be introduced for premium class passengers, he said that Emirates was in discussions with the DAA and a dedicated Emirates lounge could be opened within nine to 12 months.
Dublin is Emirates’ 118th destination, with key markets – for traffic in both directions – being seen as Australia, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines.
