Dubai: Emirates is increasing the number of destinations it serves in China to five in May next year, adding Yinchuan and Zhengzhou, the carrier announced on Monday.
The airline will start four weekly flights on May 3 to the two Chinese cities with services flying to Zhengzhou from Dubai via Yinchuan, according to an emailed statement. Flights will be operated by a three-class, 266-seat Boeing 777-200 LR (long range).
The announcement comes during a three-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Emirates has been calling for sometime for additional access to China beyond the 35 weekly flights it currently serves to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. In a document handed to journalists in China covering the state visit on Sunday, Emirates said the current air service agreement was “insufficient.”
The airline had wanted to fly its flagship Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet, to Guangzhou and start flights to second tier cities. It appears to have won the latter.
“We believe the new international air links that we are launching will help create tourism and trade opportunities for Chinese business and leisure travellers that may not otherwise exist,” stated Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
The airline will only be allowed to carry passengers travelling between China and Dubai and not domestic passengers between Yinchuan and Zhengzhou, a spokesperson confirmed.
