Dubai is just over six weeks away from having a non-stop flight to Spain and Emirates has been taking that message to the heart of the Spanish capital.
More than 70 media turned up to a press conference in Madrid to hear Emirates‘ plans for the route ahead of a high profile road show gala event.
Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation and Peter Sedgley, Senior Vice President, Cargo (Commercial Operations) were joined at Thursday’s media gathering by representatives from Madrid Airport and Madrid Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Vaughan said: “It’s great to be in the final stages of preparations for our new Madrid service. I know a lot of people in Spain have been waiting for this non-stop service to Dubai and now Emirates is providing it.”
He added: “We bring a formidable reputation for service excellence to the market and we intend to live up to it. We look forward to bringing passengers to Dubai, and onwards to our more than 100 destinations, while also bringing visitors to Spain from around our network. I’m pleased to say the bookings so far are very good.”
Miguel Angel Oleaga, Madrid – Barajas Airport Director, said: “I want to thank Emirates for adding Madrid to its expanding network. By taking this decision, the company has valued the competitive advantages offered by Madrid-Barajas Airport; huge capacity, costs that are 46% lower than the European average and a very efficient airport operationâ€.
Latest available figures show the value of trade between Spain and the UAE stands at more than AED 3.6 billion (USD 1 billion), a figure set to rise with the new daily passenger service.
Salvador Santos, President, Madrid Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is very satisfying to see Emirates opening this new non-stop route between Madrid and Dubai. It will push commerce with the UAE, as well as promoting cultural exchanges between both countries through tourism.”
Later on Thursday, more than 800 guests from across the business, travel and diplomatic community converged on Madrid’s Palacio de los Deportes for an energetic introduction to the airline and its ever changing home of Dubai. Her Excellency, Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al-Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to Spain, was amongst those present.
Speaking at the evening event, Richard Vaughan said: “We look forward to working with you all to make this route a real success – and a good news story for business, tourism and for travellers. The only thing we can’t promise, even as an Official FIFA Partner, is that Spain will win the World Cup!”
Spanish TV presenter Judith Masco was the MC for the night, welcoming on stage Pagagnini, the wacky quartet of virtuoso musicians and the popular Madrid-born singer Martha Sanchez.
When flights start on 1st August, Emirates will deploy an Airbus A330-200 on the route, offering 12 seats in First Class, 42 in Business and 183 in Economy.
Celebrating the new route, Emirates has partnered with Atlantis, The Palm’s award-winning restaurant Ossiano, established by renowned three-star Michelin chef, Santi Santamaria.
An icon of the culinary world, Chef Santi’s epicurean delights can soon be enjoyed by First and Business class passengers travelling between Dubai and Madrid over a three-course offering.
Meanwhile, Emirates’ passengers are currently able to listen to an exclusive interview with Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas through the airline’s onboard ICE entertainment system. The Spanish international talks about his experiences with Arsenal, his fondness for Dubai and Spain’s chances of winning the World Cup.
EK 142 leaves Madrid at 1525hrs and gets into Dubai at 0030hrs the following day. EK141 will depart Dubai at 0750hrs and arrive in Madrid at 1345hrs.
Emirates SkyCargo has been operating Boeing 747 freighter flights to Zaragoza since 2006.
