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Emirates is to launch direct services to
Senegal. The West African nation will be Emirates’ 106th
international destination and the airline’s third new African
destination in less than 12 months, after Durban and Luanda joined
the network in late 2009.
Starting 1 September 2010, Emirates will fly
non-stop to Dakar five times a week on every Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The service will be operated by an
Airbus A340-300 aircraft, offering a three-class configuration of
12 First Class, 42 Business and 213 Economy Class seats.
“As the first direct service between Senegal and the
UAE, this new route will deliver a significant boost to our
nation’s trade, commerce and tourism industries,” said His Excellency Karim
Wade, Senior Minister, Ministry of International Cooperation,
National Planning, Air Transport and Infrastructure, Senegal. “I am proud that Senegal continues to forge new links
with the United Arab Emirates. Just as our countries share an
'open skies' agreement, so we also share a strong tradition of
hospitality and Senegal looks forward to extending a warm welcome
to Emirates and all its customers.”
The announcement of
the Senegal service comes as economic activity between the two
nations continues to blossom. Dubai’s non-oil trade with Senegal
has increased significantly in recent years – from $61.9m per year
in 2005 to $130.2m per year in 2008 – an average annual growth of
28%.
DP World was recently awarded the concession
to develop and operate the existing container terminal at Dakar
and invest in a new container terminal at the city’s Port du Futur,
while the Jebel Ali Free Zone is developing a special economic
free zone connected to Senegal’s new Blaise Diagne Airport, which
is currently under construction.
Last year, the
Emirates Group
signed a joint agreement with the Government of
Senegal to assist in the start up and longer term future of
Senegal Airlines. The group will provide commercial support,
technical expertise, training and aviation-related goods and
services for the fledgling carrier, which is due to commence
operations later this year.
Emirates Flight 797 will
depart Dubai at 09:55 and touch down at Dakar's Léopold Sédar
Senghor International Airport at 16:00 the same day. The return
flight departs Dakar at 17:40, arriving in Dubai at 07:15 the
following morning.
The 18 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity on the
A340-300 aircraft will support key Senegalese exports such as
fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, primarily destined for EK
destinations in the Mediterranean such as Athens, Larnaca and
Beirut.
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