Emirates’ first flight to Beijing winged its way on schedule this morning, heralding the start of its daily non-stop services to the city and connecting the world to one of the fastest-growing economies on the planet.
Flight EK306, captained by Capt Finn Zwager, Deputy Chief Pilot Airbus, with First Officer Yunis Al Marzouqi, a UAE national, took-off to Beijing with a full complement of 14 flight attendants, which included three Chinese nationals.
Commenting on the rationale for starting services, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide said: “While it is always exciting to launch services to a new destination, Beijing is doubly special as it is the once-traditional capital that has become the nerve-centre of China – a gigantic, dynamic country which has rewritten the world economic order. As the “factory of the world”, China is a beacon of economic growth, a magnet for multinational corporations and a must on business travellers’ itinerary. Beijing is extremely appealing to leisure travellers keen to explore the myriad attractions of the city – who wouldn’t want to climb the Great Wall or visit the Forbidden City of the emperors at least once in their lifetime?”
Passengers travelling to Beijing can begin their gourmet journey with sumptuous cuisine that features both ‘as-you-like-it’ and hot meal menus in all three classes, including classics such as fish terrine, chicken curry, fresh stir-fried lobster and pan-fried lamb in First and Business, and smoked salmon, beef stroganoff, and chilli chicken in Economy, rounded off with delicious desserts, seasonal fruits and chocolates.
And while partaking of the finest selection of beverages available in the skies, passengers can enjoy a range of entertainment options in September from the latest Hollywood blockbusters such as The Sentinel, Mission Impossible III and Inside Man to classic films, Arabic movies, sports, comedy, drama and inflight games.
Emirates is operating the route with its Airbus A340-300, offering 267 seats in a three-class configuration – 12 in First Class, 42 in Business and 213 in Economy – and 13 tonnes of cargo capacity. Emirates flight EK306 departs Dubai daily at 1015 hours and arrives in Beijing at 2200 hours. EK307 departs Beijing at 0005 hours and arrives in Dubai at 0505 hours.
Emirates has also fortified its network in the Asia-Pacific region, signalling its long-term commitment to customers in, and dealing with, the Far East and Australasia. Besides unveiling Beijing on its route map, Emirates has added three flights to its very first destination in China – Hong Kong.
Emirates will now serve China with a daily service and six dedicated Boeing 747F freighter operations to Shanghai; daily services to Beijing, and 10 Boeing 747F freighter services to Hong Kong in addition to 17 weekly passenger services.
The airline’s second daily to Perth commenced today, providing quick connections and guaranteeing same day travel from Western Australia to several destinations in the Middle East and Europe – a boon to business travellers. Kuala Lumpur is now served nine times a week, and with increased capacity on Flight EK352, which has been upgraded from an A330-200 to a Boeing 777-300ER.
Photo caption:
Emirates’ first flight from Dubai to Beijing EK306, captained by Capt Finn Zwager, Deputy Chief Pilot Airbus, with First Officer Yunis Al Marzouqi, took-off earlier today with a full complement of 14 flight attendants, which included three Chinese nationals.
Additional Flights from Dubai
To Hong Kong: EK380 is operated by an Airbus A330-200 in a two-class configuration offering 27 seats in Business and 251 in Economy and 14 tonnes of cargo capacity.
To Perth: The service, operated with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, offers 290 seats – 12 in First Class, 42 in Business and 236 in Economy – and 18 tonnes of cargo.
To Kuala Lumpur: Airbus A330-200 in a two class configuration offering 27 seats in Business and 251 in Economy.
