Emirates spreads its wings to Edinburgh

UK destination expected to benefit the airline’s freight division

Emirates, the Middle East’s largest airline, launched its new route to Edinburgh yesterday, making the Scottish capital its eighth destination in the UK as the city grows in popularity as a tourist destination.

The airline now runs 19 daily flights to the UK, adding Edinburgh, Britain’s second most visited city, to its repertoire.

“We are growing in the UK,” said Hubert Frach, Emirates senior vice-president for the airline’s western markets, in an interview with Gulf News on board the inaugural flight.

“The UK is really in the top group of the global markets. We have a strong commitment to the UK, it’s a really important market for us and Scotland is a very integral part of it.”

Frach pointed to the UK’s strong travel demand both outbound and inbound, and its strong mix of business and leisure travel. Edinburgh reflected these strong fundamentals, he said.

The destination was also expected to benefit the airline’s freight division, Emirates SkyCargo, Frach said.

The Boeing 777-300ER, which will fly on the new route, can handle around 20 tonnes of cargo per flight.