H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, on a three-day official visit and accompanied by a high-level delegation from the airline called upon the President and Prime Minister of the Tunisian Republic, H.E. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and H.E. Mohamed Ghannouchi in Tunis. Adding impetus to the recently-strengthened relations between Tunisia and the U.A.E, Sheikh Ahmed pledged to support Tunisia’s growing economy in his meetings with the country’s top government officials. Key issues relating to the aviation industry were also discussed.

In recent months, U.A.E.‘s leading conglomerates Emaar and Dubai Investments have announced new projects in telecommunications, tourism, and infrastructure, injecting over USD seven billion worth of investment in Tunisia.

Later in the day, Sheikh Ahmed also inaugurated the airline’s brand new 500 square-metre office in Tunis. Unveiling exactly what Tunisian travellers have been waiting for, the one-stop travel shop addresses the needs of business and leisure travellers, premium passengers, frequent-flyer members and potential holiday-makers.

The new office adds to Emirates’ tally of 26 city and airport offices in 13 African countries, each providing the airline’s trademark ‘excellence in-air and on-ground’ service.

Emirates’ senior officials, including Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide and Nasser Bin Kherbash, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations Africa, are visiting the North African Republic to celebrate the airline’s recently inaugurated operation between Dubai and Tunis.

On 29th October, Emirates launched its five-flights-a-week service to Tunis via Tripoli, making available over 1200 passenger seats and almost 80 tonnes of cargo capacity per week on the route. Tunis is Emirates’ fifth footprint in North Africa, after Cairo, Tripoli, Casablanca and Alexandria.

Sheikh Ahmed said: ‘I would like to thank the Tunisian government for granting Emirates the traffic rights to operate to Tunis. Emirates will not only offer air transport links to Tunisia, but will also assist in the country’s economic development through employment generation, greater connectivity for its travellers, and enhanced capacity for its trading community.’

He added: ‘Emirates is delighted to open its new office in Tunis with state-of-the-art features that will enable our valued customers to plan and book their entire travel arrangements in relaxed surroundings, guided by knowledgeable experts.’

Situated in the upmarket Lac area, the office is easily accessible for the city’s business and financial community. Sufficient counters for First, Business and Economy class passengers, and for members of Skywards, the airline’s loyalty programme, will ensure quick and efficient handling of customer requests.

While waiting in the comfortable lounge area, which can accommodate over 20 persons, customers can update themselves with the airline’s latest product information and destination briefs.

He noted: ‘Emirates continues to focus on Africa as one of its growth sectors. In 2006 alone, we have launched services to Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Tunis and cargo-only destination, Malawi. Our commitment to the region currently stands at 82 passenger flights per week.’
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