Emirates to Launch Flights to Dakar, Senegal

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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