The bond between long-standing partners UAE and South Africa for trade and tourism is assumed to strengthen with the declaration of Dubai-based Emirates Airline. It will start daily flights to Cape Town, from 30th March 2008.
Tourist's idol, Cape Town, will be Emirates' second gateway in South Africa, and its 15th in the African continent.
On the route, Emirates will carry its Airbus A330-200 in a three class design of 12 First, 42 Business and 183 Economy Class seats. From 1st October the aircraft type will be amended to the bigger capacity Boeing 777-200 providing 12 First, 42 Business and 236 Economy Class seats.
Cape Town is one of the world's most sought-after holiday destinations with beautiful scenery, wildlife, various entertainment facilities and robust tourism infrastructure.
Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, speaks: "We have experienced increasing demand for convenient air connections to South Africa from Asia, Indian sub-continent and Middle East. At the same time, South Africa and Cape Town are prime tourism gateways for leisure travellers from Europe, Middle East, and in particular the UAE. The launch of Emirates' non-stop flights to Cape Town will provide travellers with another entry and exit point in South Africa, thus boosting connectivity and contributing to the country's economic and tourism development".
EK 770 Emirates flight will leave Dubai at 08:15 hours, reaching Cape Town at 16:25 hours. Return flight EK 771 will take off from Cape Town International Airport at 18:10 hours, reaching Dubai International Airport at 06:00 hours the following day.
