Dubai: Emirates airline said it will be increasing its commitment to Switzerland on June 1, 2011 with the launch of non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Geneva.
Geneva, one of the most important banking and financial cities in the world, will become Emirates' 111th international destination and its 26th destination in Europe.
Geneva is also the home to over 300 international governmental and non-governmental organisations, such as the United Nations Office in Geneva, the World Trade Organisation and the World Health Organisation.
"Switzerland has been part of the Emirates network since 1992, when we began flights from Dubai to Zurich. The announcement of Geneva as our newest European destination underlines our commitment to this important country," said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
"Our research has shown that there is a high demand for this route from across our network, from both the business sector, particularly financial, and the leisure travellers who are looking for both summer relaxation and winter sports," added Shaikh Ahmad.
Starting June 1, 2011, EK 089 will leave Dubai each day at 8.55am and arrive in Geneva at 2.10pm. From Geneva, EK 090 will depart at 3.40pm, arriving in Dubai at 11.59pm.
Aircraft on route
The service will be operated with a combination of Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, in a three-class configuration, offering Private Suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and a spacious cabin in Economy Class.
Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates' award-winning ICE (information, communication, entertainment) digital widescreen inflight entertainment system, which features over 1,200 channels of the latest blockbuster movies, television programmes and music from around the world.
In addition to the entertainment, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from a gourmet menu served by Emirates cabin crew from over 120 nations including Switzerland.
Emirates expects to use the full 15-20-tonne cargo capacity per flight and will be transporting valuable cargo such as luxury watches and high-end fashion goods; diplomatic cargo and relief shipments for the International Red Cross; as well as chemicals, pharmaceutical products and electronics.
