On the 8th of September Emirates Airlines announced that it was launching a new route from it’s Dubai Base to Dublin commencing on the 9th of January 2012 operating daily using an Airbus A330-200, becoming the 29th European City on its route network (Emirates Airlines).
On the 21st of September the carrier announced that it was seek to fill 17 job positions at its new Dublin station being set up, including cargo and passenger roles (ITTN), the carrier was looking at options to serve the IT package market (ITTN).
It was citied by Routes online (8th of September) that the 54,000 Origin & Destination passengers travel annually between Ireland and the UAE, with 10% of this market currently flying via Emirates Airlines UK routes, the carrier could potentially capture O&D traffic connecting via European Hubs.
On the Breakfast Business Show with Ian Guider on Newstalk 106-108FM (Thursday 20th October). The Emirates Airlines VP UK & Ireland Laurie Berryman stated when the new Dublin route matures in 2 to 3 years time, it plans to increase capacity from an Airbus A330-200 to Boeing 777.
The VP stated ‘Never say Never’ to using the A380 on Dublin route, with 19 of 90 A380s on order delivered, it held discussions with Dublin Airport Authority on type using Terminal 2. Emirates Airlines has a policy of increasing aircraft size rather than increasing frequency (Business Travel News).
The carrier continues to build its brand profile in Ireland with the carrier holding four open recruitment days in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick starting next week, as it has requirement for 4,000 cabin crew in the current financial year.
The Emirates Airlines VP UK & Ireland Laurie Berryman stated “Our policy has always been to recruit staff from countries where there is a strong hospitality tradition” (Business & Leadership).
Interestingly Emirates Airlines started a Dubai to Manchester route in 1985 using Airbus A310 on an daily service, and over the years has increased the route in terms of capacity and frequency with the carrier now operating three times daily using A330, B777-300 and A380.
An exciting future is ahead for Emirates Airlines as it develops it’s new Dublin route where the carrier sees significant potential.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 24th October 2011 All Rights Reserved.
