Emirates Airline is bridging the Middle East and Far East - two regions that continue to record healthy growth rates - with its announcement of double-daily services from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur and introduction of three additional weekly flights from Dubai to Jakarta, effective 1st May 2009.
The announcement closely follows the release of World Bank forecasts that point to 5.3% rise in the gross domestic product of the Far East region this year. The development also comes close on the heels of heightened economic dialogue between the UAE and Indonesia as the latter seeks to boost bi-lateral cooperation with the Middle East and Africa.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide noted: “Despite the current economic environment, the Middle East and Far East regions continue to register growth in their Travel and Tourism industries. In the Far East these industries are expected to post average annual gains of 6.3% over the coming 10 years.

“While Malaysia continues to be a leading holiday destination, Indonesia is investing significantly in developing its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) infrastructure in order to get a slice of the bustling conference market in the Far East. We are also noticing a growing outbound tourism market from these countries as Malaysians and Indonesians increasingly embark on overseas holidays.

“Emirates’ growing services will provide the infrastructure to support this growth.”

Jakarta

Emirates will expand its current daily service to 10 flights a week. The three additional flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and will introduce over 1200 passenger seats and approximately 50 tonnes of cargo capacity per week per direction. The flights provide business travellers smooth connections to Johannesburg, Kuwait, Muscat, Doha and Bahrain, and support the Indonesian government’s initiatives to boost trade and commerce with Africa and Middle East.

Kuala Lumpur

The commencement of double-daily flights is strengthened with the introduction of First Class cabin service on four of the 14 weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur, underscoring Malaysia’s importance in Emirates’ Far East network.

Also, the UAE is one of Malaysia’s top trading partners. The country’s total trade with the UAE in 2008 amounted to USD 4.5 billion - an increase of 45.7% over the previous year.

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