Emirates confirmed on Tuesday it will be kicking off daily flights to Israel's Tel Aviv from June 23, reported the UAE state news agency (WAM).
Emirates will operate its three-class Boeing 777-300ER on the route, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.
Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said: "We look forward to finally welcoming customers onboard our flights to and from Tel Aviv this summer, and offer them substantial connectivity to and through our Dubai hub as COVID-19 travel restrictions continue to ease around the world and more borders open up."
"In addition to unlocking tremendous pent-up demand, Emirates’ debut into Israel will mean more choice for travelers as they return to the skies, and more opportunities for businesses to visit Dubai and beyond to our far-reaching network of almost 130 destinations, alongside our signature hospitality and award-winning onboard experience."
He added: "Emirates is committed to creating new opportunities for business and tourism, and strengthening the bilateral ties between the UAE and Israel. We are confident that our new services will have a positive impact on enhancing Israel’s connectivity to a wealth of global destinations, and we thank the UAE and Israeli authorities for their ongoing support in making this service possible."
The first flight taking off on June 23 will depart at 15:50 and arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at 18:00 (local time). The return flight will depart Tel Aviv at 19:55, arriving in Dubai at 23:59 (local time). Flight schedules have been timed to provide convenient access to Dubai, and optimum connection opportunities to popular holiday destinations like Thailand, India, Philippines, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
The new service to Tel Aviv will also provide 20 tons of cargo capacity on each flight, providing channels for Israeli businesses and start-ups to export products like pharmaceuticals, high-tech goods, fruits and vegetables and other perishables. The flights are also expected to transport manufacturing raw materials and components, semiconductors and e-commerce parcels into Israel, said WAM.
