More Emirates flights to Saudi Arabia

Dubai: Emirates is to increase its number of flights to Saudi Arabia, with an additional 10 services per week to Riyadh and Jeddah.

The increase highlights the recent improved economic ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

With a 71 per cent rise in the number of operations and a 75 per cent increase in overall passenger capacity, the new services will further boost business and leisure trade between the two Arab nations.

From October 31, five additional flights per week will fly to Riyadh, taking its total number of weekly flights to 12. From January 2, 2011 five additional flights will fly to Jeddah, this will also bring the weekly number of flights to 12.

“The introduction of an additional 3,770 seats per week on the two routes will further enhance passenger movement between the two countries. Business and leisure travellers in Saudi seek connectivity to key commercial and leisure centres in Europe, as well as the Americas and Australasia, and these new flights will help expedite their journey. Religious based travel to Saudi Arabia also continues to grow exponentially each year, with these additional flights set to add some much-needed capacity for inbound traffic,” said Ahmad Khoory, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.

The airline also has also announced plans to expand its service to Al Madinah al Munawarah to a daily service from October 31, 2010.

The additional services to Riyadh will be carried out by an Airbus A330-200 with 12 first class seats, 42 business class seats and 183 economy class seats. Jeddah will benefit from a second A380 service, with a capacity to seat 517 passengers in a three-class configuration.

“The A380 has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Saudi market since it was introduced onto our Jeddah route in February this year. The launch of a second A380, Emirates’ flagship aircraft, into Jeddah highlights our commitment to providing travellers in Saudi with the very latest in aircraft innovations,” added Khoory.

Emirates remains committed to the Saudi market with a total of 38 flights per week to four cites including; Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Madinah al Munawarah.