Emirates A380 to Melbourne "key" for alliance

Emirates A380 to Melbourne "key" for alliance
By admin


Emirates has described the launch of daily A380 services between Dubai, Melbourne and Auckland as a “key component” of its proposed alliance with Qantas, as the inaugural service touched down in the Victorian capital this morning.

The introduction of the aircraft adds 540 weekly seats to the route, an increase of 38% and is the airline’s second daily A380 service to Australia.

Senior vice president commercial operations Far East & Australasia Salem Obaidalla underscored the importance of Melbourne for the airline, saying the capacity increase had been “in the pipeline” for a number of years.

“Emirates’ A380 services to Melbourne and Auckland are a key component to the global aviation partnership announced with Qantas in September,” he said.

Under the agreement, expected to start in April 2013, Melbourne travellers will have access to four daily services to Dubai, he said. Three of those will continue to be operated by Emirates, with a new daily Qantas A380 service also added to the schedule – should the alliance receive regulatory approval.

The tie-up between the two carriers remains under consideration by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, following recent submissions by a number of interested parties.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Airport chief executive Chris Woodruff said the new service confirmed Melbourne’s position as a “key global destination” and further strengthened its relationship with the airline.

“Melbourne was the first major Australian airport to be A380-ready and we continue to invest in our facilities to enhance services,” he said. “We look forward to working with Emirates and other airlines to continue to welcome more A380 services to Melbourne.”

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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