Dubai: Emirates has included Italy in its expanding A380 network with the launch of a superjumbo service to Rome.
EK097, which departs Dubai at 9.10am UAE time and arrives in Rome at 12.35pm, is now operated with the double-decker aircraft, bringing an additional 34 per cent capacity on the Dubai-Rome route or an extra 250 seats each day.
"With the A380 forming part of the double daily service to Rome, twice daily flights to Milan and a daily offering into Venice, Italy is becoming an increasingly active market," said Salem Obaidalla, Emirates Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations, Europe and Russian Federation.
The airline's current 35 weekly frequencies contribute to the $4.6 billion (Dh16 billion) trade between Italy and the UAE. Emirates SkyCargo also carries freight in and out of Italy through Dubai and beyond.
Successful relationship
"Operating the A380 out of Rome allows passengers in Italy to enjoy the Emirates superjumbo experience all the way to key markets such as Australia, China and Thailand, via our... hub in Dubai, while boosting tourism into Italy," Obaidalla added.
"The two daily flights that include an A380 from Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport are a further confirmation of the successful relationship between Emirates and Aeroporti di Roma," said Engineer Lorenzo Lo Presti, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma.
