• Home
• /
• Business
• /
• Aviation

Yangon and Hanoi latest gateways of Emirates

The sky is not the limit. And this was once again proved by the world's largest airlines, Emirates, with their plush Boeing 777-300ER making a successful touch down on its maiden flight to Yangon in Myanmar, followed by Hanoi in Vietnam.
Although the rains were absent at the time of landing, the near to capacity flight was accorded a traditional water cannon salute upon its arrival at the Yangon International Airport just before noon.
Emirates, has significantly enhanced its presence in Southeast Asia, with Yangon becoming the fifth maiden destination, while Hanoi later capped as the airlines' sixth maiden destination this year. Thus, Emirates can now boast of expanding its reach in Southeast Asia to 12 cities in seven countries.
Yangon, one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, is Mayanmar's largest city, and an important commercial destination as it contributes to nearly one fifth of the country's GDP. The country offers tourists a glimpse of ancient Asia since the opening of tourism which has seen a steady growth.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, also joined the celebration by becoming Emirates' second gateway within the country following the launch of services to Ho Chi Minh City in 2012.
Badr Abbas, Emirates' senior vice-president, commercial operations for the Far East, who was on board the inaugural flight to Yangon, thanked the Myanmar government officials in making Emirates' entry into Myanmar a reality.
"I take this opportunity to reinforce Emirates' long term commitment in helping Myanmar to facilitate the ongoing development of tourism in Yangon and Myanmar in general," Abbas said.
Flights to Yangon and Hanoi will depart daily from Dubai as EK388 at 03.30hrs arriving at Yangon International Airport at 11.40hrs. The flight will then depart from Yangon at 13.00hrs and arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport at 15.30 hrs.
The return flight, EK 389 will depart Hanoi at 22.50 hrs, arriving at Yangon at 00.20 hrs the next day. The flight will then depart from Yangon at 01.50 hrs and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 05.05 hrs.
- randall@khaleejtimes.com