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.

Emirates and Alaska Airlines have announced a new frequent flier partnership that will allow members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to accrue miles when they fly to any of Emirates’ 118 destinations worldwide, including points across Africa, India and the Middle East.

Emirates Skywards members can also accrue miles across the Alaska Airlines network in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada and Mexico. Under the new partnership, travelers connecting between any point on Alaska Airlines and Emirates’ networks will be able to check in for their flights at either carrier’s counter, receive their boarding passes and check their bags to their final destination.

DUBAI, UAE – - Emirates has today underlined its commitment to Scotland with plans to introduce a second daily non-stop flight to Glasgow, commencing 1st June 2012.

The announcement comes as a result of continued demand for Emirates’ service between Dubai and Glasgow, which began in 2004. Since then, the international airline of the UAE has carried over 1.7 million passengers and tens of millions of kilos of cargo.

The additional flight, coupled with an aircraft upgrade on the existing service, will increase Emirates’ capacity to Glasgow by 47 per cent, an extra 199 seats each way per day. It will also provide an additional 13 tonnes of daily cargo capacity.

First Class cabins will be available on both daily services, the first time this has been offered by a commercial airline operating into Scotland.

“This announcement illustrates our commitment to Scotland and to our wider UK route network in difficult economic times,” said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

“Our Glasgow route has been a real success story, and we are confident that there is demand for additional services flying to and from Dubai and beyond to our global network of over 100 destinations.

“The introduction of a First Class cabin on both daily flights also means greater choice for passengers, while increased cargo capacity means more export business opportunities for cargo shippers in Scotland ,” added Mr Obaidalla.

“From a starting point in 2004, Emirates’ Dubai route has proved a huge success, generating over AED 931 million (£164 million) to date for the local economy and bringing more than 687,000 inbound passengers to Glasgow,” said Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, who joined an announcement event in Glasgow.

“The operation of a double daily service is a major step forward in terms of forging greater business links and increasing access between Glasgow and key Asian economic decision centres, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as emerging markets in China and India,” Councillor Matheson added.

The Glasgow authorities estimate that the twice-daily service will deliver a local economic benefit of AED 187 million (£33 million) with almost 140,000 inbound passengers in 2012 alone. Over the next five years, the route will be worth more than AED 1.1 billion (£200m) to the city, bringing more than 846,000 inbound passengers to Glasgow through to 2016.

“As part of our strategy to support economic growth, the Scottish Government is determined to improve our international air connections. The announcement of this new expanded service cements our growing business, education and cultural links with Dubai and provides an additional link to this key gateway through which to boost trade and tourism opportunities with key global markets such as south and south-east Asia, Africa and Australasia,” commented Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Cargo shippers across Scotland have taken advantage of Emirates’ excellent flight connections. The main commodities being shipped include Scottish produce such as smoked salmon and oysters, as well as oil-well equipment, helicopter and aircraft parts and medical equipment. The new scheduled evening service will be operated by a three-class Airbus A340-300, carrying 12 First Class passengers, 42 in Business Class and 213 in Economy Class. EK 025 departs Dubai at 1450hrs and arrives in Glasgow at 2000hrs.

EK 026 will depart daily from Glasgow at 2130hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0800hrs the next day. The existing day-time flight EK 027/EK 028 is being upgraded to a three-class Boeing 777-300ER with eight First Class Private Suites, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 310 seats in Economy Class. It offers a generous 22 tonnes of cargo capacity. Photo Caption: An Emirates Boeing 777 at Glasgow International Airport.

Airline Creates New Bridge to Australia

DUBAI, UAE – 9th January 2012 – Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, launched its new Dublin route today. It is the third new route to be added to Emirates’ route network in the opening days of 2012 as the airline forges forward with its global expansion.

After the launch of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina on 3rd January 2012, the Irish capital took its position as Emirates’ 118th destination, opening up a new efficient channel via Dubai to key markets such as Australia, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines.

Emirates will serve Dublin daily with an A330-200, providing First Class, Business Class and Economy Class travel. EK 0161 leaves Dubai at 0700hrs daily and arrives at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at 1130hrs. EK 0162 departs Dublin at 1255hrs and lands in Dubai at 0025hrs the next day.

On board today’s inaugural flight from Dubai were Tim Clark, President, Emirates airline; Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation; Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President-Cargo; Ciaran Madden, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE; Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport; Colm McLoughlin, Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free and Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland.

“Today’s launch is a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates. “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 Dubai and Dublin 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,” said Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. “It also considerably improves connectivity with India Australia and New Zealand, which should result in a further increase in tourism numbers from these countries.”

Ireland has a population of around 4.5 million. Around 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.

Emirates has 70 flights per week to Australia, including an A380 service to Sydney, offering the popular Onboard Lounge, where passengers can meet and chat over a drink at 43,000 feet.

Emirates has received an enthusiastic response to its Ireland launch after announcing the new service in September 2011. Last month, the airline hosted more than 800 guests at a high profile gala event to promote the new service at the Convention Centre Dublin, throwing in a surprise performance from musical legend Lionel Richie.

“Tourism Ireland and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), both of which fall under my remit, are working with Emirates to promote the route and Emirates Holidays has included Ireland in its holiday brochure for 2012,” added Mr Varadkar.

Emirates Holidays, Emirates’ tour operating arm, will feature Dublin in its 2012 A World of Choice brochure. The annual brochure features over 100 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas, around the airline’s network. Nine hotels and resorts – including six Dublin City hotels and three resorts outside Dublin – will be included in the brochure, as well as additional properties available on request.

“We are delighted to welcome Emirates to Ireland, and I’m sure that this new daily service is merely the beginning of what promises to be a long and very successful partnership between Dublin Airport and Emirates,” commented Declan Collier, DAA Chief Executive Officer.

“DAA has invested at Dublin Airport to provide an improved passenger experience and greater connectivity and this new route from Dublin to Dubai and the onward connections that it offers will be hugely beneficial for the Irish economy,” Mr Collier added.

The airline has been on a major recruitment push in Ireland in recent months and already employs more than 250 Irish nationals in a variety of roles across the Emirates Group, including the First Officer on today’s Dubai-Dublin flight, Nigel Vivash.

As pharmaceuticals make up nearly a quarter of Ireland’s exports, they are expected to feature prominently in the cargo hold of passenger flights. Until now, Emirates SkyCargo has serviced Ireland via the UK.

Along with the new routes to Dublin, Rio and Buenos Aires, Emirates will start flights to Lusake and Harare on 1st February, Dallas from 2nd February, Seattle effective 1st March, and Ho Chi Minh from 4th June.

DUBAI, UAE – Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, has extended its South American network by linking Dubai with Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, further broadening the airline’s reach across the Americas. Emirates’ inaugural Flight 247 made its first landing at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where it was initiated by a traditional water cannon salute. The flight, operated by Argentine Captain Marcos Medina, then departed for its first onwards connection to Buenos Aires, where government and airport officials led by Enrique Meyer, the Argentinean Minister of Tourism, welcomed the Emirates VIP delegation headed by Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales Worldwide.

Other members of the VIP delegation aboard the flight included the Argentinean Ambassador to the UAE, Ruben E. Caro; UAE Ambassador Mohammed Eissa Al Zaabi; Mr Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, Director, Department of American and Pacific Affairs, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Adnan Kazim, Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning and Research and Nigel Page, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, the Americas.

This new linked service to two of the most economically vibrant cities in South America will not only boost trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates’ route network spanning points across the globe,” said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales Worldwide.

“Emirates will offer customers in Brazil and Argentina the most efficient and comfortable route to the Middle and Far East, including the airline’s four destinations in China and two gateways in Japan, which are key trading partners for both countries,” added Mr. Antinori.

The Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires flight is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering eight First Class Private Suites, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 seats in Economy Class.

EK 247 leaves Dubai daily at 0710hrs and arrives at Rios Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport at 1537hrs. It departs 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 0123hrs the following day. The aircraft will depart Rio at 0310hours, arriving in Dubai at 2250hrs.

Emirates has a fleet of 168 aircraft and is 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 in November, Emirates now has 237 aircraft on order, worth over US$84 billion at list prices.

Emirates now flies to 118 destinations in 69 countries. Over the next two months, the airline will launch a further five destinations: Dublin, Lusaka, Harare, Seattle and Dallas.

Photo caption 1 (from left to right): Ruben E. Caro, Argentinean Ambassador; Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales Worldwide; Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, Director, Department of American and Pacific Affairs, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jamal Al Ghurair, Managing Director, Al Khaleej Sugar; Adnan Kazim Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning and Research; Nigel Page, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, the Americas; and Mohammed Eissa Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador.

Photo caption 2 & 3 : Emirates Flight 247 arrives in Rio de Janeiro.

Dubai, UAE – - Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, will soon offer customers a quicker and more convenient link to Uganda, with the introduction of a direct service.

“As demand for our Entebbe service continues to grow, customers can now enjoy the convenience of a non-stop air link with Dubai. Our new direct service will offer seamless connections to key destinations in the Middle East, Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East, together with the award-winning in-flight service for which Emirates is renowned,” said Jean Luc Grillet, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa.

Starting 25th March, EK 729 will depart Dubai at 0825hrs each day, arriving in Entebbe at 12:35hrs. The return leg, EK 730, will leave the Ugandan city at 1540hrs and get into Dubai at 2155hrs.

“At Emirates, we continually look for new ways to improve the service we provide to our customers. Entebbe is an important market for Emirates in the East African region and we are dedicated to ensuring our customers have access to the highest service standards both in the air and on the ground,” added Jean Luc.

Emirates will operate an Airbus A330-200 on its Entebbe routes in a three-class configuration, featuring 12 luxurious First Class seats, 42 seats in Business Class and generous space for 183 passengers in Economy Class.

Onboard, passengers can enjoy delicacies from an exclusive menu served to them by Emirates’ cabin crew representing over 120 nations. With a fleet of 168 aircraft and the largest A380 and Boeing 777 operator in the world, Emirates currently serves 20 destinations in the African continent, with new services to Zambia and Zimbabwe starting from February 2012.

Passengers on all Emirates’ flights also have the added bonus of extra baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes permitted for those travelling in Economy Class, 40 kilogrammes for Business Class and 50 kilogrammes for First Class passengers. To date, Emirates’ Entebbe route has been operated as a linked service with Addis Adaba.

For more information or to book, visit www.emirates.com or call your local Emirates reservations office.

Alvaro Quiros will attempt to defend his Omega Dubai Desert Classic title next month.

DUBAI, UAE– Some of the world’s top golfers will descend on the UAE in mid-February for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Established in 1989, the tournament has a history of attracting the biggest names in the sport, with the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Tiger Woods among the event’s previous winners.

South African star Ernie Els is the player who has enjoyed the most success at the Desert Classic, finishing top on three occasions – 1994, 2002 and 2005.

Els also set the course record of 61 on the opening day of the 1994 event and has amassed a total score of 169 under par during his 46 rounds at the Emirates Golf Club.

Alvaro Quiros took the spoils at the 2011 tournament and is aiming to become the first back-to-back winner when the event takes place from Thursday February 9th to Sunday February 12th.

Day tickets for the Desert Classic cost 175 UAE dirhams (GBP31), while season tickets including admission to the practice days and Pro-Am tournament are priced at 675 UAE dirhams.

Golf fans planning to attend the tournament can use LateRooms.com to choose from a wide array of Dubai hotels, with top recommendations including the Fraser Suites.

Additional information on the event is available at http://dubaidesertclassic.com

Take in the romance of Valentine’s from the plush surroundings of the spacious Signature Room at Raffles Dubai, watching the sun go down over the spectacular Dubai skyline and the city flicker into life. Love Raffles room rates start from AED 2012 per night, including breakfast at Azur and a bottle of Champagne. Love Raffles rates are available throughout the month of February and subject to availability.

Couples will be treated like kings and queens with a special dinner for two at Fire & Ice. A tantalizing 4-course menu will be on offer on February 14th including Crisp Tsarskaya Oysters with Asparagus Custard and Lemon Meringue and Daube Filled Cornish Hen with Porcini Mushroom, Confit Chateau Potato and Dilled Baby Carrots. Love Raffles F&I menu for only AED 1000 per couple, including a bottle of grape.

To set the mood of love for the day, enjoy a Togetherness Massage in the exclusive Couples Spa retreat located in a garden pavilion in Raffles Botanical Garden for an enchanting experience to remember. Alternatively spend some time apart and prepare to dazzle each other with the choice of a Hommage Black Diamond Exfoliation …especially designed for the man in your life. This luxurious facial treatment will thoroughly rejuvenate the skin and help promote tissue regeneration.

Fine cultured black diamonds and silver spheres will gently yet thoroughly exfoliate the skin. ….

Or for the lovely ladies it’s the Eve Lom Ultimate Cleanse leaving you radiant and rejuvenated like the stars, celebrity followers such as Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by this as prep for any big event. Love Raffles Spa package for only AED 600 to treat you both to some TLC.

Get down on one knee 17 floors up on Leap Year! Pop the question to the man of your dreams high in the sky at RED Lounge.Terrace.

Choose your moment to propose in front of the spectacular cityscape as the sun sets and the stars start to sparkle for the quintessential quixotic experience…

Love Raffles room rates start at AED 2012 per night, including a sumptuous breakfast at Azur and a bottle of Champagne.

The Raffles romance that oozes at Raffles Dubai this February means that couples won’t want to leave!

Emirates Airlines is boosting its U.S. service with the launch of nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seattle (SEA) to Dubai, linking customers in Texas and the Pacific Northwest to its extensive network of more than 100 destinations worldwide. In addition, tour operators will receive special rates when booking Emirates as part of a luxury vacation in Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and beyond.

“Emirates understands the lengths taken by tour operators, particularly at the luxury end of the market, to provide a definitive travel experience for their customers,” said Steve Hargin, Emirates’ leisure sales manager — USA.

The 341-room Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is offering a First Anniversary package featuring an overnight stay in a deluxe room or executive suite and a “culinary dining experience” for two at the property’s restaurants.

The 14-story hotel has 341 guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, Internet access and dedicated work space; 124 furnished apartments ranging in size from 410 to 1,148 square feet with one to four bedrooms; a business center with a full range of services including delivery, fax, photocopying and secretarial services; six restaurants; a 1,400-square-meter Dubai conference facility with a separate entrance and eight additional function rooms; a spa featuring two suites with a private whirlpool bath, 11 single treatment rooms with natural daylight, male and female steam rooms as well as an extensive selection of face and body treatments using Natura Bisse and Ila for both men and women; and a 24-hour fitness center with a training room with natural daylight, indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, and access to private trainers and instructors. For more information, call 800-241-3333.