The Hindu Business Line : Emirates spreads wings to Glasgow, Shanghai

Mr Abdulla Nasser Abdulla, Vice-President (India & Nepal), Emirates (right), and Mr Khalid bel Jaflah, Designate Manager, Andhra Pradesh, at a press conference in Hyderabad on Monday. — A. Roy Chowdhury

Hyderabad , April 12

AS part of its plan to add five international destinations this year, Emirates expanded its services to Glasgow and Shanghai a couple of days ago.

Announcing this here on Monday, Mr Abdulla Nasser Abdulla Hussain, newly appointed Vice-President (India and Nepal) of the airline, said the New York service would be launched on June 1 and San Francisco by January next.

Stating that the Indian operations proved to be profitable with an occupancy rate of 75 per cent, Mr Abdulla said the Dubai carrier was looking ahead to increase frequency to all Indian destinations, while lining up newer ones.

Mr Abdulla said the company had become the first airline in the world to acquire ultra-long range Airbus A340-500 aircraft that could carry 700 economy class passengers for a non-stop journey of 19 hours. The airline allocated $1.8 billion on the project for introducing the long-haul travel, which offered sumptuous comfort and entertainment. First of the long-range aircraft flew to Sydney. "The next service would be to the US," he said.

Marking the introduction of services to Glasgow, the airline announced a special offer that allowed Business Class passengers to stay two nights at the Hilton Glasgow. The offer also carried some other attractions like visits to places of tourist interest.

"We are looking at a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2010," he said.

At present, the airline has a fleet of 66 aircraft.