EMIRATES sees a period of consolidation for its operations into the UK, with the exception of an upgrade to its non-stop Dubai operation from Glasgow, due to go to a daily Boeing 777 service from 15 December. Whilst the airline does not expect its first A380 until the start of the summer season 2007, rather like other carriers within the Gulf region it is very expansion minded with new aircraft arriving virtually monthly. Emirates reports great success on its 14-hour plus Dubai ” JFK operation, with 90% growth factor and the introduction of a second non-stop daily three-class service last week. A brand new lounge has been recently opened at Gatwick, which will be followed by similar facilities at Auckland, Brisbane, JFK and also at Heathrow T3, where contracts have just been signed. The airline says it is not interested in fifth freedom flights over UK regional airports but is having a serious review of Dublin as a Dubai destination (see Aer Lingus above).
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