Brummies will be able to fly to Dubai in style after a third daily service was announced which becomes the city’s only first class flight.
Emirates is adding the service from August 1, 2015, departing Birmingham Airport at 9.10am and arriving at Dubai International Airport at 7.10pm.
It means a return to first class services for the airport after none have flown out of Birmingham since American Airlines ceased them.
The latest route announcement comes after the launch of Air India's daily service to Delhi, a new operation to Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga, and news of other new routes on the way, including Vueling Airlines' service to Barcelona and American Airlines' service to New York.
The flights will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER and will follow Dubai-to-Birmingham flights departing at 2.35am and arriving at 7.05am.
Hubert Frach, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president for commercial operations, said: “Stepping up our presence in Birmingham will give customers across our network and across the Midlands, greater flexibility in their travel plans. This is another significant investment in the UK market and we look forward to offering further choice and excellent value for money to travellers and businesses, including the cargo community.
“As part of our continued commitment, we’re excited to become the only airline offering first class to the region, with the introduction of our acclaimed first class private suites.”
Emirates started flying to Birmingham in December 2000 when it launched the route with a daily non-stop service, operated by a 278-seat Airbus A330. In the 14 years since, Emirates has carried more than 4.9 million passengers to and from Birmingham.
It is popular for passengers flying to the Southern hemisphere, including Australia, India, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport chief executive, said: “Emirates’ decision to add a third daily service to Dubai and beyond from Birmingham Airport clearly shows the strong demand that exists in the city and the region for passengers who want connectivity to Dubai, Asia and Australia.
“Since the carrier began flying from Birmingham 14 years ago, passengers have been telling us how much they value the route and the excellent service they receive, so today’s announcement is great news for everyone. In addition to increased frequency, this new third service will operate on a three class Boeing 777-300ER, meaning passengers will be able to experience their excellent first class suites, the first time it has been offered on this route.”
The new daily service will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with eight private suites in first class, 42 business class seats and 310 economy class seats per day.
