Emirates has announced it is to launch services to Sialkot, its fifth route to Pakistan. The service will commence from November 5th 2013 with four weekly flights operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration - 54 seats in Business Class and 183 in Economy Class.

Emirates has announced it will start to roll-out Google Now cards for passengers who book via Emirates.com. A feature of the Google Search app, Google Now is available and fully integrated for Android and iOS.

Emirates has carried more than 18 million passengers on its double decker A380 as the airline marks the fifth anniversary of the aircraft joining its fleet. It was August 2008 when Emirates operated its first scheduled Airbus A380 flight to New York.

New Zealanders will soon be able to take full advantage of the Qantas and Emirates partnership, with the joint network opening for bookings from 14 August 2013. Aligned fares, frequent flyer benefits and codeshare arrangements will all be switched on across the Tasman, making it easier for New Zealanders to access world class travel experiences.

Etihad Rail – the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network – has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Emirates General Transport and Services Corporation. The deal offers Etihad Rail the benefit of ET’s integrated vehicle and maintenance services, in addition to security services along Etihad Rail sites.

Emirates has unveiled new expansion plans for Eastern Europe with the launch of daily services to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport in Kiev from January 16th 2014, marking its first route to the Ukraine. Offering a daily service, operated by an Airbus A340-500, the new flight will provide convenient global connections, via Dubai, to the country’s population of 45 million, further enhancing the nation’s burgeoning economy.