Emirates Boosts South African Services With Second Daily Flight To Cape Town

Emirates is to strengthen its commitment to South Africa with the launch of a second daily flight to Cape Town. The new service will offer passengers more choice and flexibility, as well as connect seamlessly to a wide range of onward destinations.

“South Africa and the United Arab Emirates enjoy a thriving trade and investment relationship and the launch of our second daily service to Cape Town will help boost this further by supporting new business and tourism opportunities,” said Richard Vaughan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations Worldwide.

“We have seen very strong inbound and outbound demand for our South African services over the last year. This new frequency will bring one of South Africa’s leading tourist destinations within easier reach for visitors, as well as meet the needs of our South African customers for enhanced connections from Cape Town to Europe, the Far East and a host of other points across Emirates’ extensive global network,” added Vaughan.

Starting on the 27th March, Emirates will fly non-stop twice a day to Cape Town. The new service will be operated by an Airbus 340-500 aircraft in a three-class configuration, providing 12 luxurious First Class private suites, 42 angled lie-flat beds in Business and 204 generously-sized Economy Class seats.

Known for its dramatic natural skylines, amazing wildlife and for being a melting pot of cultural influences, Cape Town is a hub of creativity and a magnet for artists and performers. It is estimated that the ‘Mother City’ attracted three million visitors in 2010, with almost 63 per cent coming from Europe.

While flying to Cape Town, passengers in all classes can experience the award-winning ice entertainment system, which features more than 1,200 channels of on-demand including the latest blockbuster movies, 100 TV channels, more than 500 audio channels, 100 video games plus real time news, sports and business headlines.

Flight EK772 will depart Dubai (DXB) at 03:50, arriving in Cape Town (CPT) at 11:40 the same day. EK773 leaves Cape Town at 13:40 and arrives in Dubai at 01:15 the following day, connecting seamlessly to key centres in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East.

The strengthening of Emirates’ South African routes comes after the airline helped to support the country’s hugely successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As an official FIFA Partner, Emirates helped to bring the world to South Africa by flying in football fans from across its network of six continents.

Emirates currently serves 19 passenger and cargo destinations across the African continent. The new Cape Town frequencies will mean that the airline now flies 42 times a week to its three South African gateways: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
 

Dubai Tenants In Flight To Quality

According to the latest report by leading Dubai-based property management company Asteco, an increased supply of high quality, affordable accommodation, particularly in the apartment sector provided the catalyst for considerable tenant movement across Dubai in Q4 2010. In addition apartment rental rates declined by just 3% during the same period, the lowest quarter-on-quarter fall during the year, an indication that the market is showing signs of stabilisation.

“The real estate market is characterised by a large supply of high quality stock at affordable rates, leading to a flight-to-quality trend currently seen across Dubai. Apartment rates have dropped 17% on average during 2010 and this has brought a number of upscale developments within the reach of mid-income budgets,” commented Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco Property Management.

Indeed although apartment rental rates fell last year, it was still less than the 24% rents fell in 2009, further indication that market prices are stabilising. According to the report, International City has seen the largest drop due to tenants migrating to better quality developments in more desirable locations. Overall studios experienced the lowest decline and one-bedroom apartments suffered the largest fall.

“Rents are expected to continue their downward trend in 2011, albeit at a lower rate as more supply enters the market, providing prospective tenants with even greater choice,” added Jones.

Villa rental rates fared better than apartments in Q4 2010, falling by just 1% over the three month period, primarily due to the limited availability in central areas. Quality communities such as Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Islands performed better than more mature developments such as The Springs and The Meadows.

Unsurprisingly, office rental rates fell by 8% in Q4 2010. DIFC set the tone by reducing their rates per square foot from AED370 in the first quarter of 2010 to AED230 in Q4 (a fall of 22%) in an attempt to compete more favourably with quality developments on Sheikh Zayed Road such as Rolex Tower and Sama Tower.

Continued delivery of new stock in JLT and Tecom sent rents down by 20% and 12% respectively. Although transaction activity has picked up due to the improving economy, continued oversupply will no doubt put further downward pressure on rental rates. In contrast office sales prices only declined by 6% in Q4 and just 8% during the whole of 2010, predominantly due to weak transaction activity. Prices will remain subdued due to a lack of investor confidence.

Apartment sales prices slipped by only 2% on average suggesting a slowdown in the rate of decline. Continuous delivery has seen average sales prices in Dubai drop by AED100 to AED850 over the past year, while prices in International City and Discovery Gardens have fallen to AED350 and AED450 per square foot respectively. Sales prices on Palm Jumeirah were flat in Q4 but still command one of the highest prices at around AED1,500 per square foot.

Villa sales prices in Q4 meanwhile were relatively stable with only the Springs experiencing a 4% fall. Overall market prices fell just 8% in 2010, with downward pressure more predominant in developments with a large inventory, such as The Springs and the Arabian Ranches. Market demand continues for smaller units, driven by affordability.

For more details, please visit www.asteco.com
 

Dnata Announces Acquisition of Alpha Flight Group Ltd

Dnata, the international airport and travel services company headquartered in Dubai, today announced it will acquire a 100 percent share of Alpha Flight Group Ltd (Alpha).

Alpha, which is being acquired from Milan-based Autogrill S.p.A. (Milan: AGL IM), is a leading international in-flight catering business with a turnover of GBP360 million (AED2.3 billion) and employs over 5,800 staff in 11 countries. It produces over 120,000 meals per day at 58 airports globally.

The acquisition will increase Dnata’s international portfolio significantly, with the company’s ground handling and catering operations now set to operate in 70 airports in 17 countries. The effective date for the transaction is expected to be by 31st December 2010.

"This acquisition reflects Dnata’s long term strategy to expand and develop our international network,” said Gary Chapman, President Dnata.

"Alpha will complement our existing ground handling and catering operations in Dubai and internationally. The company has a very strong and dynamic management team and I am confident that together we can further develop the business, in line with the outstanding service and quality that Dnata is renowned for.”

It is Dnata’s fifth significant acquisition in the airport services sector in the last four years and consolidates Dnata’s position as a significant player in the global industry.
 
 

Emirates faces UK flight disruption

 An official spokesperson said Emirates Airlines is experiencing disruption to its flights as the volcanic ash cloud affects the UK airspace.

Currently Manchester Airport is closed while Newcastle and Glasgow airports will be closed from 16th May 1800 GMT. Customers travelling to the UK and Europe are advised to check the status of their flight on www.emirates.com where information is updated every five minutes.

Emirates is continuing to liaise with air traffic control (ATC) authorities across the UK and Europe to monitor the movement of the ash cloud. It is possible additional flights may be affected in the coming days.

The safety of our passengers and crew is of paramount importance and will not be compromised.
 

Historic First Flight Shows All Systems Are ’Go’ For Dubai’s New Airport

Dubai Airports paved the way for the successful opening of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International for cargo operations on June 27 after the new airport passed a series of operational tests conducted during its first ’live’ flight yesterday with flying colours.

Emirates Flight EK9883, a Boeing 777 freighter operating Hong Kong-Dubai and piloted by Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim and First Officer Nabil Yousuf Ahmad Mohammad Rai Al Boom, touched down at 1650 local time yesterday amid cheers from an enthusiastic gathering of stakeholders and dignitaries on hand to observe the historic occasion.

"This is an important milestone, not only for the airport’s certification process, but as another step towards achieving Dubai’s vision to become the pre-eminent centre for aviation worldwide," said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports. "It’s also a testament to the cooperation and dedication of all of the organisations and stakeholders involved, who have done an impressive job of building and preparing Phase 1 of the facility for launch in a very short time frame." Phase 1 of the airport will feature one A380 capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with annual capacity for 250,000 tonnes of cargo and a passenger terminal building designed to accommodate five million passengers per year. When completed, Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International will be the largest airport in the world with five runways, four terminal buildings and capacity for 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo. The facility opens initially for cargo carriers, with passenger operations currently slated to start up at the end of March 2011 in concert with the IATA schedule change.

In the short term Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International will increase the airport capacity of Dubai to accommodate the 48% increase in cargo volumes from 1.9 to 3 million tonnes that is anticipated by 2015. In the long term it will serve as a multi-modal logistics hub for 12 million tonnes of freight and a global gateway for the 150 million passengers per annum that are expected to pass through Dubai by 2030.

During the live operation, the flight effectively tested Air Traffic Control procedures, airfield and taxi way signage and routes, radio communication and a host of processes and procedures related to ground and cargo handling, fuelling, catering, customs, immigration and security. The trial also tested communication links between all the parties involved – Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai Airports, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai Police, Customs, Immigration, Engineering Projects, Dubai Logistics City, Dubai World Central, JAFZA, Dnata, Swift Freight and the Roads and Transport Authority.

"The test was an unmitigated success not only for Emirates SkyCargo, but most importantly for our customer Swift Freight," said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. "The fact that the airport is connected to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone by a bonded road which cuts transfer times significantly is a strong sales point. Although our cargo hub continues to be Dubai International, there is no doubt that Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International will play an increasingly important role – initially for spot cargo operations driven by customer need and eventually for scheduled freighter services." The Emirates operation served as a final exam following an extensive array of system, process and documentation checks, tests and trials that have taken place over the past several months to prepare the airport for opening day. The General Civil Aviation Authority, the overseeing regulator which, along with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has been involved throughout, will conduct a final review on June 24 to complete airport licensing.
 

Seawings: Taking Flight on the Dubai Creek

DUBAI, UAE, June 29, 2010/PRNewswire/ — Seawings, Dubai’s seaplane tour operator, is happily sharing their position on the Dubai Creek with another group of marine bird. During a census conducted by the Emirates Wildlife society World Wide Fund (EWS-WWF) it was discovered that the UAE is a popular site for nearly 82 species of waterbird and that approximately 15 sites in the country are populated with them.

A sight for sore eyes in this arid desert land, the majestic birds resplendent in feathered coats of beautiful colours are a welcome addition to Dubai’s many sights and attractions. Avid birdwatchers residing in the country view the EWS-WWF annual consensus as an important way to maintain the species of waterbirds in the UAE. Birds endemic to the UAE include the coloured Kingfisher and the Great Flamingo.

This increased waterbird air traffic has also resulted in an increase in bird watcher and nature lover air traffic from other parts of the world. For the myriads of bird watchers and nature lovers now streaming into Dubai, there are plenty of different ways to see Dubai’s natural sights.

Seawings environmentally healthy seaplanes have much in common with the exotic waterbirds that surround the perimeters of the historic Dubai creek. Their daily aerial excursions fly over iconic Dubai landmarks, as well as the conservation site of Ras Al Khor bird sanctuary, allowing nature lovers the chance to see their favourite sites from a different and unique angle.

Seawings CEO, Mr. Stuart Wheeler, states; "We are delighted to be sharing the expanse of the glittering blue creek with these spectacular birds. We are not only committed to providing the best way to see the habitat of these birds, but will continue to ensure our operations remain as environmentally friendly as can possibly be."