Emirates enjoys best week since flying to Newcastle Airport
Apr 8 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal
LONG haul airline Emirates has defied the slump to enjoy its best week of business since jetting into Newcastle 18 months ago.
Like all operators, the Far East giant has suffered the effects of the global economic downturn, with fewer families booking trips abroad in a bid to save cash.
But the airline, which flies daily from Newcastle to Dubai and then on to the rest of the world, this week bucked the trend by recording its best passenger figures since arriving in the region.
Around 2,600 people took advantage of the service, which connects to destinations including Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and Mauritius. That mean the flights ran at more than 95% capacity over the 10-day period up to and including Saturday.
Emirates has hailed the results and say they have no plans to quit the North East.
Manager for the North Laurie Berryman told The Journal: “We are delighted to say we have had the best period in the route’s history at Newcastle.
“Easter has clearly been helping, with a lot of people going away, and I think with us being here for nearly two years now, more people are looking to go further afield for their holidays.
