Member Article

Emirates boss says Newcastle is crucial to UK investment plans

Emirates has hailed the success of its daily Newcastle to Dubai route and says the North East hub is crucial to its UK investment plan.

The 428 seat Boeing 777-300ER is the longest aircraft to have operated out of Newcastle International and the upgraded service has resulted in more than 2,000 extra seats per week between the two destinations.

Emirates say their SkyCargo business has also experienced a 46% increase in demand on the route. Freight tonnage carried on the aircraft increased by 26% over the last 12 months, boosted by the cargo capacity of the Boeing 777.

Laurie Berryman Emirates Vice President UK, said: “It’s been a great 12 months for our Newcastle to Dubai service. Since we upgraded to the Boeing 777-300ER with its new flat-bed Business Class seats and Chauffeur Drive pick-up service, passenger numbers have grown by almost 20 per cent. In fact, we’ve just experienced our busiest month for passenger numbers, an increase of 40 per cent compared to last August.

“Our investment in Newcastle and the North East continues to be an important part of our UK operations. More people flying, more trade in and out of the region with Emirates SkyCargo and an increasingly popular Business Class product points to a very positive outlook for Emirates in Newcastle and the wider local and regional economy.”

Dave Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, added: “The daily 777 service from Newcastle to Dubai remains very important for businesses in the region. It gives the regional economy a positive boost with impressive export and passenger statistics both showing strong growth.

“Passengers are flying to Dubai and beyond with the service and it really is opening up global opportunities for regional businesses. We are delighted with the performance of the service over the last 12 months.

“The service is very popular with North East holidaymakers. Leisure passengers have been travelling across the globe to exciting destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, India, South Africa, Maldives and Mauritius.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .