Emirates has launched a daily service from Dubai to Dublin to benefit key markets such as India, China, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines.

At a press conference on January 9 following the inaugural flight landing at Dublin airport, Mr Tim Clark, President, Emirates, said flights on this sector are fully booked for the next two months.

Emirates now operates a three-class A 330-200 aircraft but will likely put bigger aircraft such as Boeing 777s and A 380 on the sector very soon, Mr Clark said. Two good indications are “very strong passenger demand and freight demand already”.

Mr Leo Varadkar, Ireland's Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, described the new daily service as “a huge boost for Irish tourism, business and aviation.”

A DAA press release adds that as pharma makes up nearly a quarter of Ireland's exports, they are expected to feature prominently in the cargo hold of passenger flights.

On launching the Dubai-Dublin service in recessionary times, Mr Clark said, “The export story is a good story, and we couldn't put it off any longer. It's not right to leave out such an important city as Dublin, and the numbers are proving us right.” The service could turn the corner in as soon as six months, he said.

Speaking to the Indian media, he said India's proposal to allow 26 per cent foreign direct investment in private airlines was a good step. Mr Clark ruled out Emirates acquiring other airlines.

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