Emirates Airline Launches Dublin Route

Emirates airline has commenced flight operations to Dublin in pursuit of its expansion programme.

After the launch of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina on January 3, 2012, the Irish capital track its position as Emirates’ 118th destination and the third route that was launched by the airline this year.

Emirates will serve Dublin daily with A330-200, providing first class, business class and economy class travel.

On board the inaugural flight from Dubai were President of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe &  Russian Federation, Salem Obaidalla, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo, Ram Menem, Irish ambassador to the United Arab Emirate, Ciarem Madden, Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sports, leo Varadkar, Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free, Colm Meloughlin and CEO, Tourism Ireland, Niail Gibbons.

Speaking, the President of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark said, “Today’s launch is a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism. We are now connecting Ireland not only to Dubai but also to over 100 destinations throughout the world. Solid early bookings have demonstrated that the demand is there, opening up new markets for passengers and cargo to and from the republic”.

“The inauguration of this new daily service between Dublin and Dubai is a huge boost for Irish tourism, business and aviation. With a daily direct service between Dubai and Ireland, trade, tourism and relations between the two countries and beyond will continue to grow”, he said.

According to him, it also considerably improves connectivity with India, Australia and New Zealand which should result in a further increase in tourism from these countries.

Ireland has a population of 4.5 million. About 5,000 Irish nationals live in the UAE and approximately 80,000 in Australia, which is a key market.

More than 70 passengers on the 237-seat inaugural flight came from bookings in Australia.