Emirates launches daily flight to Kiev

Emirates airline has launched a scheduled daily service to Kiev on January 16, 2014, marking its first route to the Ukraine. Kiev is the 35th destination of Emirates in its European network, according to a statement.

Emirates flight EK171 departed from Dubai International Airport at 1710 with a VIP delegation on board, including: Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates; Abdul Salam Hareb Al Romaithi, UAE Ambassador to the Ukraine; Petro Holoveshko, Consul General, Consulate of the Ukraine, Dubai. On arrival at Kyiv Boryspil International Airport, the aircraft was accorded a welcome reception.

"We are very positive about our new service between Kiev and Dubai, and we believe this daily air link will further stimulate the growing business and tourism opportunities between both cities," said Thierry Antinori, Emirates ' Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Over 150,000 Ukrainians a year visit the UAE and we know Dubai is a popular choice for Ukrainians."

Emirates will operate Airbus A340-500 to Kiev offering 12 luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 deeply reclining Business Class seats and plenty of room to relax in Economy Class, with a total of 204 seats on every flight. In addition the flight will be able to carry 15 tonnes of cargo in its belly hold.

Passengers also have the advantage of a generous baggage allowance, with 30 kilogrammes for those travelling in Economy Class, 40 kilogrammes for Business Class and 50 kilogrammes for First Class.

During the first half of 2013, the value of trade between the Ukraine and the UAE increased 27 per cent to US$429 million.