Emirates boosts capacity from Birmingham

Emirates (EK) is increasing the number of Business Class seats

out of Birmingham by 39 per cent this summer

.

From 1 June 2009, the award-winning international carrier is
introducing a second state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300ER on its
twice-daily services from Birmingham to Dubai, where passengers
can connect to onward destinations worldwide

.

The move increases the total number of Business Class seats

available every day from 69 to 96, and the number of Economy

from 651 to 710. It represents a total capacity increase across all

classes of just over 11 per cent

.

The new aircraft type is being introduced on the evening flight

from Birmingham, which departs daily at 9.20pm and is currently

operated by the smaller Airbus A330-200. A Boeing 777-300ER

is already operating on the lunchtime flight, which departs

Birmingham daily at 2.15pm

.

Laurie Berryman, Emirates manager for UK regions, said:

"Despite the challenging economic conditions, travellers in the

Midlands remain keenly aware of the benefits of Emirates'

worldwide network

.

"Over the last few months demand has continued to grow on

the Birmingham route, necessitating an increase in capacity to

meet the surge in passenger numbers

.

"Both services will be operating by the state-of-the-art

Boeing 777-300ER, which has Emirates latest ICE inflight

entertainment system on board"

.

Joe Kelly, Deputy CEO, Birmingham International Airport said:

"We are delighted that Emirates is introducing this extra capacity

on what is already an extremely popular route. Emirates

commenced services from Birmingham in 2000 and since then

it has gone from strength to strength, introducing a second daily

departure in 2005

.

"Emirates opens up access to Australia, the Far East and the

Indian Sub-Continent from Dubai, and this news will mean that

there are more than 800 seats a day available for people wanting

to fly long haul in style from Birmingham"

.

Tuesday 7 April 2009