Middle East airline adds 17 flights to Asia Pacific
Dubai-based Emirates is adding a total of 17 flights per week to its Asia Pacific routes including Bangkok and Sydney. The carrier also today (November 5) announced an increase of 165 per cent in half-year net profits.
Emirates will add a fourth daily service to its Dubai-Bangkok route from December 2, while two extra flights will be added to its Manila route, bringing it to a double-daily service.
The carrier's Jakarta route will gain one extra flight, bringing the total to eleven flights per week, while a third daily flight will be added to its Sydney service on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays.
This route will be further enhanced from January 2, 2010 with an extra flight due to be added on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The news comes as Emirates today November 5 announced half-year net profits to September 30, 2009 of Dhs 752 million (£123 million), up 165 per cent on the same period last year.
The airline also carried 18% more passengers over the period, although chairman and chief executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum remains cautious regarding any economic recovery.
"While some say the green shoots of economy recovery are sprouting, we expect it will take at least another year or two before demand for air transport and travel services starts picking up again," said Sheikh Ahmed.
"In the meantime, Emirates is well-placed to weather the rest of the storm. We will continue to chart our course with long-term goals in mind while staying flexible to maximise opportunities and mitigate risks."
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