Emirates to launch daily A380 flights to Zurich

Monday, 10 June 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Emirates is preparing to launch daily A380 flights to Zurich from 1 January 2014. EK087 from Dubai to Zurich and its return sector EK088 will be operated by an A380, offering an increased capacity of more than 1,100 additional seats every week in each direction. The service is currently operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. Emirates will continue to serve Zurich with a double daily operation, which will equate to more than 870 seats on offer per day.

“The strategic decision to bring our flagship A380 to Zurich was made to support the city’s strong position as a financial services hub and centre for a vast number of international companies. There has been robust demand for business and leisure traffic and the extra capacity will stimulate more trade and tourism between Switzerland, the UAE and emerging markets eastbound – including 10 destinations in India and 24 destinations in the Far East and Australasia – connecting both people and economies,” said Emirates’ Executive Vice President – Passenger Sales Worldwide Thierry Antinori.

The A380 capacity boost on the flights to Zurich will further stimulate trade between the UAE and Switzerland, supporting a buoyant US$ 9 billion trade relationship, according the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade. Over 169 Swiss companies operate in Dubai and SkyCargo supports movement of goods such as precious metals, watches, jewellery, heavy machinery and pharmaceuticals, giving local businesses greater access to foreign markets.

Zurich Airport CEO Thomas Kern said: “The decision of Emirates to operate its flagship aircraft on one of its two daily flights to Zurich represents another milestone for Zurich Airport and demonstrates the strong demand from travelers for the Emirates product. The upgrade from a Boeing 777 operation to an A380 on the afternoon flight from Zurich is a significant capacity increase and a clear commitment to the Swiss market.”

The A380 is spread over two decks offering 427 seats in Economy Class, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 14 First Class private suites. Each Emirates’ A380 offers an onboard lounge on the upper deck for Premium Class passengers. First Class passengers have the added luxury of two onboard shower spas.

From 1 January 2014, the new A380-supported EK 087 flight will depart Dubai at 8:25 and arrive in Zurich International Airport at 12:20. The return flight, EK088, will leave Zurich at 14:35 and arrive in Dubai at 23:40.