Jetsettersblog

Emirates has begun service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Dubai. It is the airline’s fifth gateway in the United States and its fourth new route so far this year. The direct flight is daily and will be aboard a Boeing 777.

Dallas/Fort Worth becomes Emirates’ 121st global destination. Customers flying Emirates from Dallas/Fort Worth will be able to connect seamlessly to points across the Far and Middle East, Indian sub-continent and Africa via the airline’s state-of-the-art hub in Dubai.

Emirates will continue to expand its network over the coming months. In addition to the new Dallas/Fort Worth service, flights to Lusaka and Harare just started, and Seattle will launch on March 1, Ho Chi Minh City on June 4 and Barcelona on July 3.

Etihad Airways is offering complimentary 96-hour tourist visas to guests transiting through the UAE, effective immediately. The visas, ideal for travellers making stopover visits en route to their final destination, are being offered in cooperation with Radisson Blu hotel on Yas Island.

The offer is valid for travellers previously eligible for Etihad Airways’ paid-for visa service (available at a cost of AED 300), including passport holders from Bangladesh, Belarus, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Eligible guests must have confirmed overnight accommodation at the Radisson Blu Yas Island, available at promotional rates from USD 70 per person per night.

To book accommodation and apply for a complimentary visa, guests can visit etihad.com/freeuaevisa. A passport copy and passport-sized photograph are required for processing visa applications.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Not only is Abu Dhabi the place where East meets West, making it ideal for transiting to destinations worldwide, but it is also a world-class destination in its own right. With complimentary visa services on offer, more Etihad Airways guests will have the opportunity to experience the signature Arabic hospitality and exciting attractions of the UAE in a convenient and affordable way.”

Guests booking a 3-night stay will also receive a complimentary Abu Dhabi City Tour. Hala Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways’ destination management company, is available to all guests for booking custom itineraries, attractions and tours (halaabudhabi.com).

Citizens of the following countries are allowed to enter the UAE without a visa prior to arrival as long as they are carrying a valid passport that will not expire within six months of their arrival date: Australia; Andorra; Austria; Brunei; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Liechtenstein; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Portugal; San Marino; Singapore; South Korea; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom; United States of America; and The Vatican. Immigration officials may grant a tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days, on arrival at the port of entry.

Terms and Conditions apply: Approval of applications is at the sole discretion of the UAE Immigration authorities. Hotel rates are USD 70 per person, per night, including breakfast, 24-hour check-in and 96-hour visa. Booking must be made 72 hours in advance and is subject to availability.

Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the developer of the Saadiyat Island development in Abu Dhabi, announced new opening dates for the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2015, Zayed National Museum in 2016 and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017. These museums are strategic components of the Abu Dhabi government’s vision for development. The timeline was finalized in coordination with partners and advisors, Agence France Muséums, The British Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

“The museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District will help to establish Abu Dhabi as one the world’s leading tourism and cultural destinations, and will encourage communication between different cultures,” according to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Substantial work has already been completed on the museums. Detailed architectural designs have now been finalized, as well as all foundation and piling work. Growing teams with regional expertise that will operate each institution are undergoing comprehensive training, and the acquisition of the vast and diverse art and artifact collections for each is well underway.

Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to be the first universal museum in the Arab world, and will showcase art from different civilizations and cultures. It will display paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance from the ancient to the contemporary. The distinguishing feature of Louvre Abu Dhabi is its 180-meter-diameter dome, with intricate perforations, designed to resemble rays of sunlight passing through date palm fronds and diffusing light below.

An institution conceived as a place for discussion, learning, and inspiration, Zayed National Museum will tell the story of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life, while exploring the history and culture of the UAE. Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Lord Norman Foster designed the museum, and its towers are reminiscent of the wing tips of the falcon, a symbol of the cultural heritage of the UAE. Zayed National Museum will have seven permanent gallery displays as well as a temporary exhibition program and library.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a transnational platform for contemporary art that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time. Global in perspective, it is a platform for local, regional and global contemporary art and culture. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winning Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s design echoes gulf architecture, incorporating dramatic conical forms as a modern twist on the region’s traditional wind-towers.

WITH ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Guests of Etihad Airways are now better connected than ever before.

The airline’s first aircraft to offer inflight connectivity for passengers have officially taken to the skies.

The aircraft – three Airbus A330-300 and one Airbus A320 aircraft – are equipped with inflight passenger connectivity services. Another connectivity-enabled Airbus A320 will be delivered in March 2012.

On the A320, guests of the airline will have full mobile connectivity, enabling them to use their own mobile phones and Smartphones to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access mobile data services. The A320 is used primarily for short-haul routes throughout the Middle East, and some mid-length routes such as Istanbul, Athens, Minsk, Cochin, Bangalore and Mahé in the Seychelles.

Onboard Etihad Airways’ A330-300 aircraft, guests will have the same mobile connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi internet capability for personal laptop and tablet use. The A330-300 is used for long-haul destinations across the network, such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, Casablanca and Seoul.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The modern traveller is increasingly reliant on mobile devices and the internet, not only to plan travel, but also to stay in touch throughout their journey. The introduction of these connectivity-enabled aircraft is an exciting first step in Etihad Airways’ long-term strategy to offer inflight connectivity solutions across our entire fleet of passenger aircraft.”

During the launch phase, Etihad Airways will offer inflight mobile and tablet connectivity from USD 10 and laptop Wi-Fi internet connectivity from USD 20. Mobile telephone calls will be charged according to the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network provider.

New route marks airline’s entry into Kyrgyz Republic

• Low-cost carrier extends reach in Central Asia with twice weekly flights to Bishkek

Dubai, UAE; 10 January 2012: Bishkek has been named as flydubai’s 50th destination, marking the pioneering airline’s entry into the Kyrgyz Republic and expanding its global network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe in just two and half years of operations.

The new service, which is due to begin on 7 February 2012, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic. Flights will operate twice a week, departing Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way fares start from AED 990.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are proud to launch our latest services, bringing our destinations in the former Soviet Union to 12. It is also a significant milestone for us as the 50th destination we have announced – quite an achievement since our first flight in June 2009.

“We have already launched operations to a number of cities in Central Asia and we believe Bishkek will be just as well received. We are confident it will prove popular with people seeking alternative travel destinations, as well as offering people in the Kyrgyz Republic a gateway to the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Africa through the flydubai network.”

The capital and largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek is flydubai’s first foray into the Central Asian country and marks the continued rise in demand for flights to previously under-served destinations in Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz Republic has opened its economy to foreign investment in key industries including metallurgy and is developing its tourism potential. Beauty spots such as Issyk Kul Lake are growing into popular tourist destinations while trekking and camping trails as well as skiing bases are developing all over the country, drawing in travellers locally, regionally and internationally.

The Kyrgyz Republic has a growing presence in the UAE thanks to a 3,000-strong expatriate population. Flights to Bishkek will start from February, ensuring they are able to travel home to visit friends and family more often.

Flight Information

Flights to Bishkek will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 February 2012. Flight FZ771 is scheduled to depart Dubai Terminal 2 at 2255, landing at Bishkek International Airport at 0500hrs local time. The return flights leave on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with FZ772 departing at 0620hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0845hrs. One way fares from Dubai to Bishkek start at AED 1,055 and fares from Bishkek to Dubai start at AED 1,020.

Fares include 20kg checked baggage plus one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 extra.

Flights between Dubai and Bishkek can be purchased from flydubai’s website (www.flydubai.com ), its call centre (+9714 231 1000) and through travel partners.

DUBAI, UAE — Emirates Airline, a continued supporter of major events and sports worldwide, in partnership with TUI Travel PLC’s Sport Division, eases access to the world’s premier events by adding online booking functionality to Emirates Live’s full package of service.

For those who believe that being a fan means more than watching your favourite team on TV, Emirates Live will bring passengers right to the heart of the action. With its long-standing commitment to sport sponsorships, Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines has been involved with a wide range of sporting events and teams around the world for over 20 years. Connecting travel and events through Emirates Live ensures passengers always have the best seat in the house – on board and live at the action.

With the new online functionality, Emirates Live makes it even easier to book; online, 24 hours a day, from the comfort of a personal computer in five simple steps on emirateslive.com. Whether booking new travel or in conjunction with existing flights on Emirates Airline, all customers are eligible to purchase the Emirates Live packages. In addition to match ticket(s), packages include hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and all taxes and service charges.

“With Emirates premier route network plus TUI Travel PLC’s travel and event expertise, customers now have unparalleled online access to the events around the world,” said Russell Sheldon, Senior Vice-President, Network Sales and Passenger Development.

“Whether it is football, cricket, rugby, Formula One or horse racing, Emirates Live turns fans into live spectators at the click of a button with our new online booking functionality.” To purchase any of the spectacular Emirates Live packages, go to www.emirateslive.com

Over 7 million passengers now carried on the Emirates A380

DUBAI, UAE – Emirates’ A380 route network extended to Germany on 25 November with the launch of services to Munich. At the same time, Emirates became the first foreign carrier to offer a scheduled A380 service to Germany, a key country involved with its production, and supporting 40,000 jobs in Germany alone.

The double decker will operate as EK 049, one of two daily flights from Dubai to Munich and among the airline’s 60 flights a week to four gateways in Germany; Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

“After gradually building up services to Germany since 1987, Emirates is responding to strong demand by bringing its flagship aircraft to one of its most important markets, adding much-needed seat capacity and stimulating further tourism and trade between Germany, the UAE and beyond,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales Worldwide.

Joining Mr Antinori on the inaugural A380 service from Dubai was Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation, along with other VIP guests and representatives from the media.

Over one thousand spectators were expected to gather for the landing in Munich, where the giant 489-seat aircraft – under the command of German Captain Fritz Wildt – was set to receive a water cannon salute.

Volker Greiner, Emirates’ Vice President, North and Central Europe, will host an arrival reception at Munich Airport with guests including Markus Soeder, Bavarian State Minister of Finance, the Lord Mayor of Munich, Christian Ude and Michael Kerkloh, CEO of Munich Airport.

“Emirates’ decision to operate its flagship Airbus A380 on one of its two daily flights from Munich to Dubai represents yet another acknowledgement for the airport. The fact that this airline, which is successful on all continents, is relying on Munich for part of its expansion plans, is clear evidence of the excellent future prospects for this Bavarian air traffic hub,” said Dr. Kerkloh.

“For our passengers on the high-demand connection to Dubai, the operation of the Emirates’ A380 involves yet another clear quality improvement – after all, Emirates has attracted worldwide attention with the exclusive equipment of its A380,” Dr. Kerkloh added.

Emirates is the largest A380 operator in the world and has now carried more than 7 million passengers since the popular superjumbo was introduced to its fleet in August 2008. The airline’s A380 operations are supported by more than 2,500 dedicated cabin crew and 362 pilots. The carrier’s 17 A380s now serve Munich, London Heathrow, Manchester, New York, Paris, Sydney, Auckland, Toronto, Bangkok, Seoul, Jeddah, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Rome will be the next A380 point from 1st December followed by Kuala Lumpur effective 1st January 2012.

Each Emirates’ A380 offers an Onboard Lounge on the upper deck for Premium Class passengers to meet and exchange stories and do business. First Class passengers have the added luxury of two Onboard Shower Spas. On the Dubai-Munich route, the aircraft is arranged in a three-class configuration with 399 seats in Economy Class, 76 fully flat-bed, mini-pods in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites. Passengers across all cabins can lose themselves in the more than 1,000 channels of ice, the award-winning in-flight entertainment system.

Germany plays a significant role in the production of Emirates’ highly efficient double-deckers. Specialist companies across the country contribute to the aircraft’s engines, wings, entertainment system, lighting and Onboard Shower features. Final finishing work is conducted in Hamburg before the superjumbos are formally handed over. The A380 production line is part of a multi-billion Euro trade relationship between the UAE and Germany, assisted by Emirates’ SkyCargo, which operates 11 weekly freighter flights to Germany. The new Dubai to Munich A380 service, EK 049, departs Dubai daily at 0910hrs and arrives at Franz Josef Strauss Airport at 1245hrs. The return flight, EK 050, leaves Munich at 1425hrs and lands in Dubai at 2315hrs. Emirates has a fleet of 162 aircraft flying to 116 destinations and has a further 243 planes on order worth over 84 billion US dollars. This includes the additional 50 Boeing 777s ordered during the recent Dubai Air Show.

RIO DE JANEIRO- Emirates kicked off its Rio de Janeiro countdown in style on the 24th November, as the airline got ready to launch daily services to the 2014 FIFA World Cup host city from 3rd January 2012.

The new direct service to Rio de Janeiro, with an onward extension to Buenos Aires, will provide seamless connections to Emirates’ network of more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Last night, over 800 guests from the government, travel industry and wider business community attended a gala celebration at Pier Maua to find out more about one of the world’s most successful and fastest-growing airlines. Guests were also given the opportunity to see the FIFA World Cup Trophy, which was on display at the event.

“As Emirates’ second Brazilian gateway, our new Rio de Janeiro service will add extra impetus to the vibrant Brazilian economy, boosting tourism and underpinning the city’s status as a leading hub for business and trade, particularly within the oil and gas industries,” said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President -Passenger Sales Worldwide.

“Emirates anticipates strong demand for both leisure and business travel to Rio de Janeiro, especially as Brazil will host a series of world-class events over the next few years, including the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, added Mr Antinori. “As a Partner of the 2014 World Cup, Emirates is proud that we have a role to play in making the tournament a success, and we look forward to bringing football fans from across our global network to this unmissable event.”

“This new Emirates flight is a big win for Rio de Janeiro as it will feed global traffic into the city, boosting tourism and creating new opportunities for trade between this market and numerous emerging economies,” said Mr. Rodrigo Solano, Manager of Markets and Business, Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier in the day, the Brazilian media met with Emirates representatives including Richard Vaughan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations Worldwide, Nigel Page, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, The Americas, and Ralf Aasmann, Area Manager Brazil. Also representing Emirates in Rio de Janeiro were Kashmira Motiwalla, Manager Product Development, Skywards, Luc Delcomminette, Vice President of Arabian Adventures, Pradeep Kumar, Senior Vice President, Cargo Revenue Optimisation and Robert Siegel, Manager Cargo Commercial – Europe & Americas.

Rio de Janeiro, also known as the ‘Marvellous City,’ is renowned for its spectacular natural setting. The city, which is home to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches as well as the famous Maracana Football Stadium, receives more visitors than any other city in South America, welcoming an estimated 2.8 million international tourists each year.

Emirates’ Rio de Janeiro flight will be a linked service with Buenos Aires, meaning that customers in South America can now travel between the two cities in unprecedented style and comfort. The new service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, arranged in a three-class configuration, offering eight First Class Private Suites, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class, and a spacious cabin in Economy Class with 304 seats.

Throughout all classes, passengers can enjoy the latest version of Emirates’ multi award-winning ice entertainment system, which offers over 1,200 channels of movies, TV shows and music, including Portuguese language versions and Brazilian and Latin American music.

Starting 3rd January 2012, EK 247 will leave Dubai daily at 0705hrs and arrive at Rio’s Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport at 1537hrs. It will depart Rio at 1723hrs, arriving at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) at 1930hrs. From Buenos Aires, EK 248 departs at 2130hrs, arriving in Rio at 0120hrs the next day. The aircraft will depart Rio at 0310hours, arriving in Dubai at 2250hrs.

One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Emirates has a fleet of 162 aircraft and is now the world’s largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator.

With an order for 50 new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft placed at the Dubai Airshow earlier this month, Emirates now has 243 aircraft on order, worth over US$84 billion at list prices.

Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires will be the second and third points to be added to Emirates’ South American network. Emirates has been flying to Brazil since 2007, when it launched its Sao Paulo route. The airline now operates daily services to the city.

DUBAI, UAE — Emirates’ A380 services to London Heathrow will become triple daily from 24th January 2012.

This will mean three out of the airline’s five daily flights into Heathrow will be served by the superjumbo.

Emirates’ flagship aircraft will replace Boeing 777s on EK flight 029 from Dubai and on the return flight EK 030, adding capacity to one of the airline’s busiest routes.

“Given the popularity of Emirates’ A380s, I know this news will be well received by our customers flying between London Heathrow, Dubai and beyond. As these magnificent aircraft continue to join our fleet, we can offer more seats and choice in and out of high density points, while enabling a greater number of passengers to benefit from the Emirates’ A380 experience,” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

The airline brought its own brand of double decker, equipped with an Onboard Lounge and Shower Spas, to the British capital in December 2008. After supporting EK flights 001 and 002 between Dubai and Heathrow, EK 003 and EK 004 became A380 services in July of last year.

The giant aircraft, known for its quietness and spaciousness, offers 14 flat-bed First Class Private Suites with electrically operated doors and 76 fully-flat seats in Business Class – all with aisle access – on the upper deck. Downstairs, there are 427 comfortable contoured seats in Economy, spread across four separate cabins.

Passengers in all classes can settle down to more than 1000 channels of films, television programmes, music and games carried on the ice entertainment system.

A personal satellite phone is fitted to each seat, which also carries a seat-back sms and email service, along with seat to seat calling and a “My USB” personal picture viewing facility.

The third A380 service into Heathrow is another major investment for Emirates in the UK, where it operates 105 weekly flights via six gateways; London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.

In September of last year, Manchester, which is now a triple daily service, became Emirates’ second UK gateway to be served by the superjumbo, replacing EK flight 017 and 018.

The international airline of the UAE has a fleet of 17 A380s amongst a total fleet of 162 aircraft, flying to 116 destinations – now including Baghdad.

At the Dubai Air Show on Sunday (13th November), Emirates announced an order for an additional 50 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, worth approximately US$ 18 billion (AED 66 billion) in list prices. The agreement also included 20 Boeing 777-300 ER options valued at US$8 billion (AED 29.4 billion), lifting the total order to 70 aircraft worth US$ 26 billion (AED 95.4 billion).

UK A380 timings:

• EK 001 departs Dubai 0745hrs – arrives London Heathrow at 1135hrs
• EK 002 departs Heathrow 1335hrs – arrives Dubai 0025hrs
• EK 003 departs Dubai 1430hrs – arrives Heathrow 1815hrs
• EK 004 departs Heathrow 2015hrs – arrives Dubai at 0700hrs
• EK 029 departs Dubai 0940hrs – arrives Heathrow 1330hrs (24th January 2012)
• EK 030 departs Heathrow 1635hrs – arrives Dubai at 0325hrs (24th January 2012)
• EK 017 departs Dubai 0755hrs – arrives Manchester 1145hrs
• EK 018 departs Manchester 1330hrs – arrives Dubai 0025hrs the next day

Baghdad, IRAQ — Emirates touched down in Baghdad today, marking its first flight to the capital city of Iraq.

Passengers onboard the flight to Baghdad made good use of Emirates’ extensive network connecting through Dubai from a number of global destinations such as; Australia, England, the US, India, Pakistan and the UAE. Amongst the passengers onboard the inaugural was Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran with his special guests HH Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman SJM Group of Companies, Salah Al Ansari, Director Visitor Information Bureau, Department of Tourism and Commerce, Saood Kankazar, Director Air Transport and International Affairs, Dubai Civil Aviation, Wadee Ayyed, Chairman Al Handal International Group, Mohammed Ayyed, CEO Al Handal International Group and other VIPs.

On landing in Baghdad the aircraft received a water-cannon salute before local Iraqi media attended an official welcoming ceremony and press conference inside the airport terminal.

“Baghdad holds significant potential for Emirates given the city’s mandate to rebuild,” said Mr Khoory.

“As seen from today’s flight Baghdad is an important destination for many of our markets, with a good mix of leisure and trade traffic travelling into the capital from more than a dozen international cities. We have been working closely with the GCAA to make this destination possible for our passengers and it is gratifying to finally be here.”

Baghdad is the second destination that Emirates has launched in Iraq this year, with Basra successfully launching in February.

“We are seeing robust booking levels in both directions for Basra and expect the same level of interest for Baghdad. These markets are high revenue generating making them key destinations for the airline,” added Khoory.

In October Emirates visited Baghdad for a pre-launch roadshow with a strong turnout from local businesses and key Iraqi Government Officials.

Emirates is operating an Airbus 330 between Dubai and Baghdad, in a three-class configuration. EK941 departs Dubai at 07:55am touching down at Baghdad International Airport at 09:40am the same day. At 11:35am, return flight EK942 will depart Baghdad arriving in Dubai at 14:55pm the same day. The service will operate on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The airline currently has a fleet of 162 aircraft and is the largest operator of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. Over the next six months, Emirates will launch a further seven destinations including; Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Lusaka, Harare, Seattle and Dallas.

Picture caption – before departing for Baghdad, from left to right – Arif Rehman Sharieff, Emirates’ Manager Commercial Business Development – Gulf, Middle East and Iran; Mohammed Noori Al Handal, General Director of Al Handal; Salah Rashod Al Ansari, Director, Visitor Information Bureaus, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing; HH Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum; Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, GCC, Middle East & Iran; Hardan Noori Al Handal, Vice Chairman of Al Handal; Thani Al Ansari, Emirates’ Commercial Manager and Budoor Al Mazmi, Emirates’ Cargo Commercial Manager.