Emirates Air planning to expand India operations

Emirates Airline, the national carrier of UAE, is set to enhance its operations in India.

Currently, Emirates operates its passenger services from five cities in India, with freighter services from an additional city.

"Emirates Airline has always welcomed the government's decision to initiate an open sky policy as this helps to boost the number of tourist arrivals to and from India during peak periods. We are ready to increase our flight frequency for the coming season. With such initiatives taking shape, Indian passengers will be the eventual beneficiaries."

"We would welcome the opportunity to increase its operations where there is market demand. This is a matter for the Indian civil aviation authorities. India is a key market for Emirates and has shown a consistent growth in both passenger and cargo," said Abdulla Nasser Abdulla, vice-president, India and Nepal, Emirates Airline.

Emirates currently operates 43 flights weekly between India and Dubai, which includes 19 weekly flights from Mumbai, seven weekly flights from Delhi, four weekly flights from Chennai, eight weekly flights from Hyderabad, five weekly flights from Kochi, a twice weekly Boeing 747 freighter service from Bangalore to Dubai and weekly from Mumbai to Dubai.

The airline has launched the 19th frequency out of Mumbai on March 31, 2004.

"Being new to India, I will take some time to get used to the nuances of the local market. My primary focus will be to explore new opportunities and give a fresh perspective to our products and services. At Emirates, we ensure that the customer is kept at the focus of all activities. The state of the art in-flight technology and multi-lingual crew make us a preferred choice today. As a result, Emirates enjoys a high degree of loyalty amongst its passengers," said Abdulla.

In order to offer the best possible connections, schedules and routings to its customers, Emirates has entered into code share agreements with Air-India to operate from Chennai and Kochi.

The latest initiatives undertaken by Emirates to tap Indian market include special fares offered to senior citizens traveling economy class to New York arriving at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport.

To avail of this offer, senior citizens need to book their tickets through a travel agent and the offer is valid for a return period of four-six months.

Even the airline has introduced a special fare of Rs 27,000 to students traveling economy class to New York arriving at JFK airport.

Students will also be allowed to carry extra baggage, not exceeding 32 kg, besides the normal baggage allowance of two baggage of 32 kg each.

The airline has launched its dial-a-ticket service for its passengers in India whereby a passenger can call up any of the reservation numbers in Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Chennai and Kerala and their tickets be delivered directly at their doorstep.