AVIATION

Emirates makes inroads into Copenhagen

Emirates is set to add a new European country to its ever expanding route network when the Dubai-based international airline launches non-stop, daily flights to Copenhagen in Denmark on August 1.

Emirates will serve Copenhagen with a daily flight from August 1

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city which attracts 1.3 million tourists a year, will become the Emirates’ 112th international destination and the 27th destination in Europe.

“Copenhagen is an important hub for the whole of Scandinavia and the launch of our non-stop service will open up a new market for Emirates.

It will also offer Denmark’s businesses with easy connections to previously untapped markets. Dubai and Copenhagen both have a strong maritime and trading tradition and Emirates is looking forward to adding this dynamic city to our European network and also welcoming Denmark as the 67th country that we fly to from Dubai,” said Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

Starting August 1, 2011, EK 151 will leave Dubai each day at 0830 hrs and arrive in Copenhagen at 1310 hrs. From Copenhagen, EK 152 departs at 1455 hrs, arriving in Dubai at 2315 hrs.

Emirates will be operating an Airbus A330-200 on the Copenhagen route in a three-class configuration. On board, passengers can enjoy the delicacies from the exclusive menu served to them by Emirates’ cabin crew from over 120 nations.

Passengers on all Emirates’ flights also have the added bonus of extra baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes for those travelling in Economy, 40 kilogrammes for Business and 50 kilogrammes for First Class.

Copenhagen, with a population 1.2 million people in the metropolitan area, has a compact city centre which has developed into a major regional centre of culture, business, media and science.

Copenhagen is the third new route announced by Emirates for 2011, following Basra on February 2 and Geneva on June 1.

Newest hospitality standards set in Muscat Airport

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has unveiled spectacular new First Class and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport. The lounges continue the themes of luxury, comfort and outstanding hospitality found on Oman Air’s aircraft, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.

The Business Class lounge in Muscat

The two lounges are located on the first floor of the terminal and combine the ultimate in modern and elegant interior design, state-of-the-art materials and technology and the generous hospitality for which Oman and Oman Air are renowned.

Each lounge is open 24 hours a day and offers dedicated dining facilities, quiet rooms, men’s and women’s prayer rooms, wash and shower rooms, a business center and a ‘Chedi’ spa with massage rooms, offering complimentary 15 minute treatments.

For those travelling with children, a range of toys and computer games are available to keep them occupied within the dedicated playroom. Exclusive for Oman Air’s First Class passengers are dedicated lifts and staircases to the limousine pick-up point where chauffeurs will take passengers to their aircraft in complete comfort and luxury. On the opening of the lounges, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming our First Class and Business Class customers into these superb new lounges and to be setting new standards for airport hospitality. The exclusivity and refinement of these lounges perfectly complement our vision for Oman Air.

They provide the perfect sanctuary for our premium customers and ensure that every journey is a stress-free and enjoyable experience. These new lounges represent the latest stage in Oman Air’s transformation into a luxury international carrier and I am sure that our First Class and Business Class customers will appreciate this new benchmark in airport hospitality.”

Acclaimed international interior designers JPA worked closely with Oman Air’s in-flight management team to ensure that each lounge reflects the quality and values found within the premium cabins of Oman Air’s outstanding Airbus A330 fleet.

Oman Air’s Hotels and Catering Chief Officer Richard Hodges said, “Staff from throughout Oman Air have worked closely with JPA to create exceptional environments in which guests can relax and enjoy our excellent hospitality. Our menus have been meticulously planned to provide the perfect meal for any time of the day or night, from light bites to hearty meals, and our First Class guests can enjoy an a la carte menu, each dish of which is individually prepared to the guest’s requirements by their personal chef.

The menus are perfectly complemented by the finest selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits and it is all served by staff trained to the highest standards.”