With the inauguration of Emirates new route to Dakar now just 4 weeks away, Emirates Airlines has unveiled a large number of economical benefits that the new service to Dakar will bring to the Middle East, West Africa and markets throughout Emirates international network.
As the sole scheduled passenger service between the UAE and Senegal, Emirates new route to Dakar will cut current journey times to Dakar by the equivalent of an 8 hour working day. This will create a convenient and fast service for business and leisure travellers alike.
His Excellency Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said:
“Dubai Chamber has long recognised the importance and high potential of the African market. Senegal stood at 76th in the list of Dubai’s top trading partners at the end of 2009 and the launch of the Emirates’ new route to Dakar will strongly enhance trade between the two cities and consolidate Dubai’s status as an international business hub.
He added:
“Emirates’ direct flights with Senegal will have a positive economic effect as they will cut business costs, facilitate trade and provide the right push for cementing the bilateral commercial ties. We believe that this new route will be a step towards achieving enhanced economic relations with Senegal and the region.”
Emirates and Senegal
The 18 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity on the A340-300 aircraft will support key Senegalese exports such as fresh fish, fruit and seasonal vegetables, primarily destined for Emirates’ destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean, including Milan, Madrid, Paris and Beirut. The new service will also facilitate the import of goods into Dakar such as textiles from Asia, electronics from East Asia and Europe and clothing from India.
As well as supporting new business opportunities, the Dakar route will also benefit existing collaborations between Dubai and Senegal. For example, DP World was recently awarded the concession to develop and operate the existing container terminal at Dakar’s Port du Futur and invest in a new container terminal, while the Jebel Ali Free Zone is currently developing a special economic free zone connected to Senegal’s new Blaise Diagne Airport.
Last year, the Emirates Group signed an agreement with the Government of Senegal to co-operate in the start up and longer term future of Senegal Airlines. Signed in November 2009, this agreement will see the Emirates Group provide commercial support, technical expertise, training and aviation-related goods and services.
Starting 1st September 2010, Emirates will fly non-stop to Dakar 5 times a week every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emirates Flight 797 will depart Dubai Airport at 09:55 and touch down at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport at 16:00hrs the same day. The return flight departs Dakar at 17:40, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 07:15 the following morning. The service connects seamlessly to key centres in the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East.