Emirates airlines would, from 1st October 2014, upgrade its operating aircraft on the Abuja route to a Boeing 777-200ER, only two months after launching its operations to the Nigerian city.
Emirates launched a daily service to Abuja – its second Nigerian gateway and 22nd passenger destination in Africa on August 1, 2014, using the Airbus A340-300.
The new aircraft will continue to operate daily to Nigeria’s capital and offers 274 seats in the three cabins; 12 luxurious lie-flat seats in First Class, 42 deeply reclining seats in Business Class, and generous space for 220 passengers in Economy Class.
A statement issued to the GNA by Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates Vice President, Operations for Northern and Western Africa, noted that the upgrade of the Abuja service to a Boeing 777 demonstrates the airline’s commitment to the Nigerian market and was another step to ensure it offered world class products to its customers in Nigeria.
Since its launch on August 1, 2014, Emirates has boosted international tourism and trade in Abuja from a raft of destinations in the Far East, West Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America.
The airline currently operates twice daily to Lagos and daily to Abuja, giving a total of nearly 14,000 seats per week, a testament to the growing importance of Nigeria as a key Emirates market.
“Emirates constantly strives to provide its passengers with the very best service and the introduction of a Boeing B777-200 ER reflects that commitment. Our 777-200ER will offer Emirates’ renowned cabin comforts and facilities, including our award-winning ice entertainment system,” added Al Ghaith.
On-board, customers will enjoy specially created regional menus, and a wide range of movies, TV programmes, games and music through ice, Emirates’ multi-award winning in-flight entertainment system, while being served by Emirates’ multi-lingual cabin crew from over 160 countries around the world.
Emirate’s flight EK785 departs Dubai daily at 1050hrs and arrives in Abuja at 1510hrs. The return flight, EK 786 departs Abuja at 1935hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0550hrs the next morning.
Source: GNA
