Emirates’ first commercial flight to South Australia departed from Dubai this morning bound for Adelaide, inaugurating South Australia’s first non-stop flight link with the Middle East. Initially flight EK440 will operate four times weekly, serviced by a B777-300ER, increasing to daily services from 1st February 2013.
“We are investing in South Australia for the long haul, dedicating a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to the route fitted with our highest on-board product offering and employing more than 150 South Australians in airline and airport service,” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East & Australasia.
“We have long held ambitions to operate flights to Adelaide, and today heralds a new level of connectivity from South Australia to Dubai, and the world with Emirates international network of more than 120 destinations.
“When the service becomes daily from 1st February, it will mean nearly 5,000 additional international seats per week on the route, representing a 30% increase for the market, boosting jobs and investment in South Australia’s AUS$ 5.3 billion tourism sector and adding 14 tonnes of commercial cargo space on each flight.
“South Australia is fast becoming recognised as one of Australia’s pre-eminent tourism, business and resource-rich regions, and the start of services to Adelaide signifies the enhancement of key tourism and trade links between South Australia and the UAE, and beyond to our global network.
“The new service will carry more than 200,000 passengers each year between South Australia and Dubai, with Europe expected to be strongest markets for both inbound and outbound travel. It will also open up Adelaide’s first direct flight links with the Middle East.”
Flight EK440 departs Dubai every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 02.00, arriving in Adelaide at 20.50. The return journey leaves Adelaide at 22.35 and arrives in Dubai at 05.15 the following day.
