Emirates to launch 13th weekly flight to Kolkata

Emirates said it will start the 13th weekly flight service from Mar 29.

The flight operator also said it will introduce a First Class section for premium customers in Kolkata.

Speaking to media in Kolkata, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates Airline, said: "On the milestone of our ninth anniversary of operations, we are happy to offer an extra weekly flight to passengers flying from the recently opened Terminal 2 at NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which not only increases their choice of flight times but also introduces increased capacity and a First Class cabin for our premium customers."

"Also on 29th March, we will start to operate a larger Boeing 777-200ER on the route which features Emirates’ renowned First Class service. The Boeing is an up-gauge from the existing A330-200, with capacity for 274 passengers; 220 in Economy Class, 42 in Business Class and 12 First Class," he said.

He said: "“The additional flight and increased capacity strengthens the travel services available not just to Kolkata, but to the entire east and north-east India region."

The new flight offers convenient onward connections to Emirates global network, including many of Emirates’ 37European, 17 Middle Eastern and 20 African passenger destinations. With this additional service, Emirates will operate 186 weekly flights to 10 destinations in India.

Speaking on Kolkata,  Ahmad said: "The demand out of Kolkata for the business-class is quite healthy."

Speaking on a new offer he said: "To mark the introduction of First Class to the route, Emirates is offering a special promotion for passengers who purchase a Business Class ticket from Kolkata to receive a complimentary upgrade on one sector to First Classon selected European and US routes if booked before 18th April."

The offer will be valid for travel from Mar 29 onwards.

 Ahmad said the company will not be able to introduce the Airbus A-380 service in Kolkata as the city's airport will not be able to meet the aircraft's requirements.

He said a total of 4.86 million passengers traveled on Emirates' India flights in 2013-2014 season.

He said the  its total Indian air traffic is likely to increase this season.

"We are expecting an increase in the  Indian air traffic this season.

"We see huge scope in India. We hope we will have more developments this year," Ahmad said.