Emirates expands Iran footprint with launch of service to Mashhad

In addition to passenger operations, Emirates SkyCargo will offer up to 150 tonnes of cargo capacity per week between Dubai and Mashhad on the A330-200.

Emirates has extended its reach into Iran by linking Dubai with Mashhad, adding a second passenger gateway into the country after Tehran.
Shaikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice-president of commercial operations centre for Emirates, said: "The new service to Mashhad, Iran's second largest city and one of its most economically vibrant centres, will not only enhance trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates' vast route network."
On board the inaugural flight were Al Mualla; Khalid Al Hina, vice-president of cargo commercial for the Middle East, GCC and Iran; Dr Mohammad Reza Fayyaz, Iranian ambassador to the UAE; Mohamad Hosein Moghadam Taghizadeh, general manager of the Iranian Hospital; and Naser Hamidi Khah, managing director of the Iranian Club.
Emirates' five weekly flights will further stimulate trade ties between the UAE and Iran. The UAE is Iran's biggest non-oil trading partner. It is also Iran's biggest source of imported goods, worth more than Dh93.5 billion in 2014. In turn, Iran exports to the UAE were valued at Dh3.8 billion, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Emirates' services to Mashhad will depart on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from Dubai as EK967 at 04.10am, arriving at Mashhad International Airport at 7am. The return flight, EK968, will depart Mashhad International Airport at 08.45am, arriving in Dubai at 10.45am.
In addition to passenger operations, Emirates SkyCargo will offer up to 150 tonnes of cargo capacity per week between Dubai and Mashhad on the A330-200. Commodities to be exported out of Mashhad are fruits, vegetables, handmade carpets, saffron and nuts. Imports such as meat, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, machinery and automobile parts will also be vital to the trade exchange.
Emirates commenced services to Iran in 1990 with two flights a week to Tehran. It now operates four daily flights to the capital city. Since then, Emirates has carried seven million passengers in and out of Iran.
Flight times are as per summer scheduling. Due to the end of daylight savings time in Iran, the arrival and departure times in Mashhad will be one hour earlier from September 22.
- business@khaleejtimes.com