Emirates has launched its first scheduled flight to the Indian Ocean Island of Madagascar.
The arrival of Emirates flight EK707 on 3 September was celebrated with a water canon salute at Antananarivo’s Ivato International Airport. This was followed by an exclusive event for VIPs, government officials, industry guests, and media.
Following the welcome ceremony, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial OfficerAdnan Kazim, along with senior representatives showcased the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft flying on the route in a three-class configuration to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina along with a group of dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel industry.
The aircraft features eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class.
The service will facilitate connections between the United Arab Emirates and Madagascar.
A HISTORIC MOMENT
Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, expressed pleasure at being able to welcome Emirates to Madagascar.
Antananarivo marks the airline’s fifth destination in the Indian Ocean. It is in fact operated as a tag-on service from the Seychelles.
“In just four months, through shared determination and hard work, we have successfully launched this long-awaited inaugural flight between Dubai and Antananarivo with Emirates. This is a historic moment for Madagascar, and I am convinced that it will act as a catalyst and a true lever for tourism and economic development in our country. Madagascar opens its skies to Emirates, and through Emirates, Madagascar opens itself to the world. Together, let’s continue to dream, build, and grow for the good of our nation.” Rajoelina said.
OPENING UP MADAGASCAR TO TOURISM
Airlines such as Emirates are key to growing tourism flows to many destinations.
The formidable Emirates brand indeed brings reliability, quality and increased passenger flows to destinations it flies to.
Commenting on the start of operations, Kazim said “Madagascar is a new and exciting destination on our vast global network, unlocking a world of natural wonders, rare and diverse wildlife, and a rich, vibrant culture. As the Malagasy government continues to grow its tourism industry with the aim to attract one million tourists by 2028, we proudly support this vision by enhancing connectivity and premium travel options to encourage more international travellers to discover the island.”
ALSO READ: Madagascar airports: Greener and cleaner!
INAUGURAL MADAGASCAR FLIGHT
Commanding the inaugural flight to Antananarivo were Canadian national Captain Bruce Pope and First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot who has been flying for Emirates for 14 years.
In fact, the inaugural flight operated with an almost full passenger load from Mahe, in the Seychelles. Thus, taking advantage of the enhanced travel options available on the linked service by merging two trips into one.
EMIRATES MADAGASCAR FLIGHT SCHEDULE
EK707 departs from Dubai to Mahe in the Seychelles at 08.55. It arrives in Mahe at 13.35 and then continues to Antananarivo, where it lands at 16.50.
The return flight EK708 departs Antananarivo at 18.35, landing in Mahe at 22.20. It then continues from Mahe at 23.50. It arrives in Dubia at 04.20 the next day.
The service operates four times a week. Flights are offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The flight times have indeed been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points in Europe, the Far East, West Asia and the Middle East/GCC, streamlining international travel to and from Madagascar.
