David Tonkin, CEO

Emirates

CEO Travel Report

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of flying with Emirates to Europe to meet with Amadeus Travel Technologies, our new shareholder. I'd heard lots of good things about Emirates and was looking forward to my first flight on this Award winning airline. Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and has been voted Airline of the Year for the past three years.

I flew to Nice via Singapore and Dubai. By flying directly from Dubai to Nice, I avoided connecting through a European hub such as Paris or London, a major time saving. They also fly through Dubai to 'smaller' cities such as Munich, Berlin, Manchester & Birmingham, again saving a transit through Frankfurt or London

Emirates recently commenced 4 services from Sydney, in addition to daily flights from Melbourne. They connect both ways from Melbourne to most European cities but from Sydney only connect both ways to London. Other cities from Europe to Sydney require a 6 or 7 hour stopover in Dubai on the way back to Sydney. But as I did, you're able to stay in a great hotel right in the terminal for a reasonable rate.

Emirates have personal video screens in every seat in all 3 classes throughout the aircraft and you can choose from over 40 video and audio channels. A common perception is that Arab carriers are "dry". I can assure you that they are not, and in fact have a great wine selection. A major reason for Emirates success, apart from having one of the most modern fleets in the world, is because of the number of Australian pilots and cabin crew! About 60% of Emirates pilots are Australian, as are about 30% of cabin crew. On all my flights there seemed to be at least one Aussie in the cockpit and plenty in the main cabin.

Emirates have non-smoking flights on the following routes:

- Sydney/Melbourne to Dubai v.v
- Dubai to Manchester v.v
- Dubai to London on flights EK001/002 only

I wasn't able to stopover, but Emirates has exciting stopover packages in Dubai, the new commercial, leisure and sporting capital of the Gulf. It has great shopping, clean white sandy beaches and dozens of luxury hotels - including the world's first seven star hotel, the Burj Al Arab.

Of course, travel.com.au has some great value airfare deals with Emirates for all our members. Try them, they're great

David Tonkin