With the launch of Emirates’ new route to Dakar now just six weeks away, the airline has unveiled a raft of economic benefits that the service will bring to the Middle East, West Africa and markets throughout the airline’s international network.
As the only scheduled passenger service between the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, Emirates’ new route will cut current journey times to Dakar by around the equivalent of an eight hour working day, creating an easy, fast and convenient service for business and leisure travellers.
Richard Vaughan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates’ Commercial Operations Worldwide said: “Dakar is a dynamic, emerging destination that we are delighted to welcome as our nineteenth African route. As the only direct air link between Senegal and the Middle East, our new service will play an important role in supporting trade ties and tourism, facilitating the smooth movement of travellers and cargo between Senegal and Emirates’ extensive global network.â€
Mr Vaughan continued: “This new route launch is a further demonstration of Emirates’ commitment to investing in and supporting the development of its pan-African footprint. Not only is the service already paying dividends through the creation of new jobs, such as our first Senegalese cabin crew and sales staff, but it will provide a significant long-term boost to trade and commerce.â€
Trade between Dubai and Senegal has followed a steady path of growth in recent years. Dubai’s non-oil trade with Senegal rose from AED 504 million (US$137 million) in 2008 to AED 676 million (US$ 184 million) at the end of 2009.
His Excellency Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Dubai Chamber has long recognised the importance and high potential of the African market. Senegal stood at 76th in the list of Dubai’s top trading partners at the end of 2009 and the launch of the Emirates’ new route to Dakar will strongly enhance trade between the two cities and consolidate Dubai’s status as an international business hub.
The 18 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity on the A340-300 aircraft will support key Senegalese exports such as fresh fish, fruit and seasonal vegetables, primarily destined for Emirates’ destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean, including Milan, Madrid, Paris and Beirut. The new service will also facilitate the import of goods into Dakar such as textiles from Asia, electronics from East Asia and Europe and clothing from India.
As well as supporting new business opportunities, the Dakar route will also benefit existing collaborations between Dubai and Senegal. For example, DP World was recently awarded the concession to develop and operate the existing container terminal at Dakar’s Port du Futur and invest in a new container terminal, while the Jebel Ali Free Zone is currently developing a special economic free zone connected to Senegal’s new Blaise Diagne Airport.
Last year, the Emirates Group signed an agreement with the Government of Senegal to co-operate in the start up and longer term future of Senegal Airlines. Signed in November 2009, this agreement will see the Emirates Group provide commercial support, technical expertise, training and aviation-related goods and services.
Mr Vaughan added: “We bring a formidable reputation for service excellence to the market and we intend to live up to it. We look forward to giving passengers from Senegal much easier access to our international hub in Dubai, where they can travel onwards to more than 100 destinations across six continents.â€
Starting 1st September 2010, Emirates will fly non-stop to Dakar five times a week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emirates Flight 797 will depart Dubai at 09:55 and touch down at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport at 16:00hrs the same day. The return flight departs Dakar at 17:40, arriving in Dubai at 07:15 the following morning. The service connects seamlessly to key centres in the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East.
