Demand prompts Emirates Airline to expand PHL flights

Strong demand has prompted Emirates Airline to add a third daily non-stop service between Manila and Dubai starting January 2, 2013, which the airline said should further stimulate tourism and trade between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.   “Due to the strong demand we are experiencing, Emirates has added the much-needed seat capacity on its services from Manila, the extra daily flights will increase capacity on route by 50 percent,” said Emirates Airlines' Philippine manager Gigie Baroa in a statement. “The extra capacity will also stimulate further tourism and trade between the Philippines, UAE and beyond,” she said.   The additional daily flight was borne of the recently concluded air talks between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates in Dubai last month.   One of Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft will take on the third daily schedule between Manila and Dubai, carrying 42 Business Class lie-flat seats and 386 Economy Class seats, the airline said.   The new service – fight EK336 – departs Dubai at 6:30 p.m., and return trip EK337 departs from Manila at 8:45 a.m. the next day.   Emirates Airline opened its Philippine operations in 1990. — With Gian Geronimo/VS, GMA News