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Emirates launches A380 service to Munich

DUBAI - Emirates airline’s A380 route network extended to Germany on Friday with the launch of services to Munich, according to a release from the carrier.

At the same time, Emirates became the first foreign carrier to offer a scheduled A380 service to Germany, a key country involved with its production, and supporting 40,000 jobs in Germany alone.

The double decker will operate as EK 049, one of two daily flights from Dubai to Munich and among the airline’s 60 flights a week to four gateways in Germany: Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

“After gradually building up services to Germany since 1987, Emirates is responding to strong demand by bringing its flagship aircraft to one of its most important markets, adding much-needed seat capacity and stimulating further tourism and trade between Germany, the UAE and beyond,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ executive vice-pesident for passenger sales worldwide.

Joining Antinori at the inaugural A380 service from Dubai was Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior vice-president for commercial operations, Europe and Russian Federation, along with other VIP guests and representatives from the media.

Rio service countdown starts

Meanwhile, Emirates kicked off its Rio de Janeiro countdown late on Friday, as the airline got ready to launch daily services to the 2014 FIFA World Cup host city from January 3.

On Friday night, over 800 guests from the government, travel industry and wider business community attended a gala celebration at Pier Maua to find out more about one of the world’s most successful and fastest-growing airlines. Guests were also given the opportunity to see the FIFA World Cup Trophy, which was on display at the event.

“Our new Rio de Janeiro service will add extra impetus to the vibrant Brazilian economy, boosting tourism and underpinning the city’s status as a leading hub for business and trade, particularly within the oil and gas industries,” Antinori said.