Emirates Airlines to fly direct to Adelaide

The State Government and Adelaide Airport confirmed today that one of the world’s largest international airlines will begin direct services between Adelaide and Dubai from 1 November 2012.

Acting Premier John Rau said Emirates would begin the service with four flights a week, linking Adelaide into Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s major international hubs, providing access to Europe, the Middle East and the east coast of the United States.

“Emirates flies to 100 destinations globally, including 29 European cities,” Mr Rau said.

“The agreement by Emirates to fly direct to Adelaide reflects the growing importance of South Australia as a source of tourist and business travel.

“I am confident that the opening of this route will also encourage greater interest and investment from the fast-growing markets of the Middle East and Europe.”

Managing Director of Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) Mark Young also welcomed Emirates announcement and said the new service would be the first ever operated by an international airline between Adelaide and the Middle East.

“This service will open up a significant number of new and faster international connections for people travelling to and from Adelaide,” Mr Young said.

“Emirates has indicated to us the new service will utilise the 354-seat Boeing 777-300ERs, which will be the largest passenger aircraft to fly to and from Adelaide on a regular basis.”

Mr Young said the inbound flight from Dubai is scheduled to arrive at 2045 and leave Adelaide on the return leg at 2245 thus offering international passengers a different travel option to the international airlines currently flying in to Adelaide.

The Acting Premier said that as part of the agreement with the South Australian Government, Emirates will maintain the direct flights through to at least the end of June 2016 and in return the Government has negotiated a financial assistance and co-operative marketing package.

Mr Rau said that package has strict conditions attached on the service requirements. Since flying its first routes out of Dubai with just two aircraft in 2005, Emirates has grown its fleet to more than 170 aircraft servicing more than 120 destinations in more than 70 countries.

Emirates is currently the world’s largest operator of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, flying one of the youngest and one of the most modern fleets in worldwide commercial aviation. Minister for Tourism Gail Gago said South Australia’s growing reputation for being a unique tourism destination will be enhanced by easier access to Adelaide from the Middle East and Europe. “Kangaroo Island, the Gateway to the Outback and our premium food and wine growing regions are draw cards that will be even more accessible through direct flights,” she said.

For furthre information contact Hughes PR: Mark Williams (08) 8412 4100 or mark@hughespr.com.au