Emirates hails success of Newcastle flights
03.09.08
Emirates could use a bigger aircraft on its Newcastle Airport to Dubai route after a successful first year of operation. The airline said it has carried 140,000 passengers in the last year – 20,000 more than its target – with more than 25% being business travellers.
The total number of passengers amounts to the equivalent of 1 in 20 of the entire population of the region. Freight traffic through Newcastle Airport has also grown significantly thanks to the arrival of the flights – more than quadrupling to 1.7 million kilogrammes.
The route has been so successful that Emirates is said to be considering an upgrade from an Airbus A330 to a Boeing 777. The larger aircraft can carry 346 passengers - 24% more than the Airbus - and would have even freight capacity – 20 tonnes rather than 14.
Vic Sheppard, UK vice president of Emirates, said: ‘We have seen some of our best-ever figures for a UK route launch, despite operating through some tough times. Given that it has been a challenging period for the airline industry, we are delighted to have received such strong support from the North East travelling public.’
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book a hotel newcastle airport or car parking newcastle airport at the lowest price click on these links to newcastle airport car parking and newcastle airport hotel price comparison pages.
