London’s Emirates Air Line to open on 28 June

The Emirates Air Line, London’s newest transport link sponsored by Dubai’s international airline in a $56m deal, is set to open later this month.

Following extensive testing of the new cable car system over the River Thames, it will open on 28 June, Transport for London said in a statement on Monday.

The 1.1km long river crossing, between Greenwich and the Royal Docks, will have the capacity to carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction, the equivalent of 30 buses.

Initially it will operate seven days a week, from 7a.m. to 9p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 8a.m. to 9p.m. on Saturdays and 9a.m. to 9p.m. on Sundays.

Transport for London (TfL) said the hours would be extended for use during the Olympic Games which starts next month.

A single fare boarding pass using an Oyster card for the Emirates Air Line will cost £3.20 (child fare £1.60), with fares slightly higher without an Oyster card.

For those who want the experience of an extended journey to enjoy the views of the City, which include Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier and the Olympic Park, there will be the option to take a non-stop return journey for £6.40 with Oyster.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “The Emirates Air Line is part of my plan to develop a package of new river crossings in east London and transform the surrounding area into a vibrant new metropolitan quarter that will attract new jobs, homes and enterprise.”

The innovative Emirates Air Line is a key plank of the Mayor’s plans to revitalise east London and create jobs for Londoners and attract investment into the capital.

Emirates Airline helped to make this new transport scheme a reality by investing £36m in a ten year sponsorship deal.

“Emirates is known for its innovative customer experiences and our partnership with Transport for London to link communities in the city is a testament to this,” said Emirates Airline President Tim Clark.

All 34 cabins of the Emirates Air Line are currently undergoing final load testing flights as part of a series of rigorous safety trials.

The tests involve the cabins travelling across 1.1 km of cable, gliding 90 metres above the Thames with weights representing the maximum number of passengers. (arabianbusiness.com)