The new purchase orders include 30 Boeing 777-300ER long-range jets with a list price of roughly US$9.1 billion, as well as a US$4.8 billion deal to buy Engine Alliance GP7200 engines to power its 32 Airbus A380 aircraft ordered last month at the Berlin Airshow.

 

During his visit, HH Sheikh Mohammed toured the various pavilions at the event, stopping at exhibitions for both the UAE Armed Forces and the Dubai International Airshow. He expressed great pride in Emirates Group’s performance in surpassing the achievements of long-established carriers.    

 

He added that the current purchase order represented a vote of confidence in the future of the aviation industry, while mirroring the strength and depth of the economies in Dubai and the UAE. He also spoke of his conviction that the national carrier would lead growth in the aero-space industry in the region and the world in the years to come.  

Celebrating 25 years of India operations, Emirates has played a catalytic role in enhancing economic ties between India and the UAE. Trade volume between the two countries has significantly increased with a 53 per cent jump in the value of Indian exports between 2007/08 and 2008/09 alone, from Dhs 57.4 billion (US$15.63bn) to Dhs 87.85 ($23.92bn). The UAE now accounts for 13 per cent of India’s total exports.

 

The special, one-off flight of the 517-seat A380 arrived at the IGI Airport to a water cannon salute. A senior delegation of Emirates officials led by Richard Vaughan – Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations – and Majid Al Mualla – Emirates’ Senior Vice President, West Asia & Indian Ocean – arrived on this special flight of the A380, commissioned to celebrate the launch of the new Terminal 3.

 

“This is a proud moment for Emirates as we celebrate 25 years of successful operations in India, one of our most important destinations, not just in Southern Asia, but across our global network,” Vaughan told a 200-strong audience comprising media, travel agents and VIPs, hosted by Emirates and GMR.

“The access that the Indian government has granted over this past quarter century has allowed Emirates to invest and create a significant business by operating 184 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities.

 

“Today, the Emirates Group employs over 10,400 Indians, which is approximately 28 per cent of our total workforce. The opportunity that India presents is one that shall help us further strengthen our ties with this country.”

 

To celebrate the launch of the new Terminal 3 at the IGI Airport, Emirates has commissioned a special commercial service of the 517-seat A380 offering passengers flying from Delhi to Dubai a one-off opportunity to experience the aircraft’s grandeur, not to mention its luxurious onboard amenities.

 

The A380 will operate EK516 on the Dubai-Delhi route on 15th July, 2010 departing Dubai at 10:10 hours and arrive in Delhi at 14:50 hours. The aircraft will be at the IGI Airport for three hours before it returns to Dubai as EK517 departing Delhi at 17:50 hours. Bookings for this special flight opened on 6th June, 2010 with a special one-way fare from Dubai for AED380 plus taxes or return for AED990 plus taxes. The fare is valid only for bookings made on the special flight of the Emirates A380.

 

Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President – West Asia and Indian Ocean, said, “Emirates has been flying to Delhi since our first day of operations in 1985. Twenty five years on, 10 destinations and 184 weekly flights certainly represent the efforts and investment that have gone into building a strong relationship with India.

 

“The fact that we are bringing the A380 here is a reiteration of the potential that we see in the Indian market and our intent to partner with the nation in its growth. Over the years, Emirates has evolved to become a company that is global in its operations but firmly connected with the Indian mindset and the consumer.”