NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 15 – Emirates will begin flights to Switzerland on 1st June 2011 with the launch of daily flights between Nairobi and Geneva via its Dubai hub.
Geneva, one of the most important banking and financial cities in the world, will become Emirates\’ 111th international destination and its 26th destination in Europe.
Announcing the new route Emirates Airline Regional Manager for East Africa Essa Sulaiman Ahmad said Geneva\’s position in the world\’s system of things makes is a strategic destination for Emirates Airline.
"Geneva is the home to over 300 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Nairobi is equally important city, hosting key United Nations bodies like United Nations Environmental Programmes (UNEP), and is key for us. Just as Geneva, Nairobi is positioning itself a key financial and diplomatic hub in Africa," said Mr Ahmed.
He continued: "The announcement of Geneva as our newest European destination underlines our commitment to this important country. Switzerland has been part of the Emirates network since 1992, when we began flights from Dubai to Zurich. Our research has shown that there is a high demand for this route from across our network, from both the business sector, particularly financial, and the leisure travellers who are looking for both summer relaxation and winter sports."
Starting 1st June 2011, EK 089 will leave Dubai each day at 0855hrs and arrive in Geneva at 1410hrs. From Geneva, EK 090 departs at 1540hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2359hrs.
"Emirates has an excellent connection times to any 100 plus destinations we fly to so our passengers from Nairobi to Geneva to be rest assured of timely connections. We also allow stopovers in Dubai, Middle East\’s most exciting city," he added.
From Dubai, the service will be operated with a combination of Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, in a three-class configuration, offering Private Suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and a spacious cabin in Economy Class.
Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates\’ award-winning ice (information, communication, entertainment) Digital Widescreen in-flight entertainment system, which features over 1,200 channels of the latest blockbuster movies, TV programmes and music from around the world.
In addition to the entertainment, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from a gourmet menu served to them by Emirates Cabin Crew from over 120 nations including Switzerland.
Emirates expects to use the full 15-20-tonne cargo capacity per flight and will be transporting valuable cargo such as luxury watches and high-end fashion goods; diplomatic cargo and relief shipments for the International Red Cross; as well as chemicals, pharmaceutical products and electronics.
Emirates currently offers double-daily flights between Dubai and Zurich.
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