The inaugural flight is still many months away, I expect that there will be quite a few deals around then to launch their marketing campaign with a bang.

Though I still can't shake the feeling that Qatar is very close to finalising a deal as well. A few bits and pieces of information seem to point this way, though I'm not sure what sort of effect Emirates' move will have on this.

Ha! GBP 25 million would be a dream

Actually, this is fifth freedom local traffic rights through DXB-SIN-DPS-ADL. I believe this is sixth freedom local traffic rights. If they get an approved from the foreign government. There is no issued about the fifth freedom traffic rights.

EK flights to the USA, Canada via LGW coming soon, possibly? :D

Airport price war could benefit passengers

Airline passengers could benefit from lower transatlantic fares after the Government announced plans to allow international carriers to pick up passengers at Gatwick, Luton and Stansted en route to America.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/avia...assengers.html

Excellent news! I may never have to fly BA again.:D

Oh, I bet you will. I doubt it. If EK will start new USA flight from LTN or something like that. Perhaps, EK will start ORD or JFK service. It's whether if EK will have decide to choose for which the specific route is that.

Will certainly help passengers from India, who wish to include USA and UK/Europe on the same trip.

Yes, there is lots of Indian populations who traveled through from India to USA via DXB everyday. It's getting more extremely overcrowded. They are always full. There is no seat available.

Aircraft swap between ATH and NCE

NCE to get the B773 and ATH the A345 from 1st October.
http://airlineroute.net/2012/07/20/ek-athnce-w12/

UAE signs air services agreement with Algeria
 

http://www.ameinfo.com/uae-signs-air...algeria-306989

I can see Algiers on the horizon.

BTW: Any update regarding a re-launch of TIP?

ALG is long over due. QR is enjoying a virtual monopoly with 11 weekly widebody flights there.

Why not have fifth freedom local traffic rights? I wasn't sure about it.

Tanzania: Emirates, Turkish Airlines to Fly to Kia
 

TWO more international carriers, the Emirates and Turkish Airlines plan to launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

This follows major rehabilitation and maintenance of the airport spearheaded by the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO),the Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Ambassador Khamis Kagasheki has said.

Speaking during the maiden launch of Qatar Airways Doha - Kilimanjaro route at KIA yesterday, the minister said that KIA would now be able to get connections from the rest of the world and help increase tourist arrivals and revenue.

"We have unique tourist sites that can attract more tourists into the country. We need to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign that will help lure more tourists.

"The good news is that we have highly reputed airlines flying directly to Tanzania that will help connect us to the rest of the world," he said. Earlier, Ambassador Kaghasheki said Qatar Airways decision to fly directly from Doha to KIA was of great significance.

The Chairman of KADCO Board of Directors Ambassador Hassan Kibelloh said the company would provide a five-star handling to all airlines interested in using the airport.

"Airlines interested in flying to KIA should rest assured that they will get five-star handling services to match their status. Our vision is not only to make KIA a competitive airport but is also dedicated to environmental conservation," he said.


http://allafrica.com/stories/201207260042.html

Emirates New Routes & Changes
 

Have there been any hints at coming to ATL? Delta has zero competition on the direct DXB to ATL route.

I have no absolutely idea when EK is start service to ATL. It will get some more tougher competitive against DL. I don't see it happening anytime soon. I thinK EK will have consider it.