Middle East airlines boost Australian tourism

Emirates and Etihad to double flights to Australia from Middle East to cash in on tourism interest.

25 March, 2007

Australian tourism is on a high. Tourists are flowing into the country from the Middle East in thousands. In a bid to tap this opportunity, the Middle East-based carriers Emirates Airlines and Eithad Airways are planning to double their services to Australia by year 2011. Australian tourism expects this move to boost tourist numbers by 200,000 a year.

The governments of Australia and the UAE have inked an air service agreement in this regard, said a report. The agreement is aimed at deploying additional 56 flights a week to Australia by 2011. Of these, as many of 35 flights will be from Emirates, while 21 services for Etihad Airways. Reports said that the move would ensure inflow of millions of dollars into the Aussie economy and also generate many jobs.

Significantly, the agreement comes just a week after the Australian Government gave approval for Qatar Airways to fly to Melbourne and introduce a second daily service to another Australian city from 2008.

The report said that the campaign as part of this move will help attract more big spending tourists from the Gulf nations. Further, it is also expected will provide for additional capacity to Melbourne and Brisbane airports.

With the deal in place, the two airline majors are planning to offer exciting offers for tourists from Central Europe to fly to Australia via Dubai and Abu Dhabi, saving hours in flying time.

This apart, Australian airlines have also been given reciprocal capacity rights, and this move is expected to give Qantas and Virgin Blue the right to service this lucrative market, said the report.