Emirates Launches Daily Non-Stop Flights To Hangzhou, Strengthening Links With Eastern China

Emirates is expanding its reach with a new daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou starting 30th July. This marks Hangzhou as the airline's fifth entry point into mainland China, joining Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The service will use a Boeing 777-300ER, offering 2,478 seats weekly across three classes.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated, "Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region. As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China."

The new flights are scheduled to connect passengers seamlessly to 38 European destinations, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina. Key cities like Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg will be accessible through these connections. The outbound flight EK310 leaves Dubai at 0940hrs and reaches Hangzhou by 2200hrs. The return flight EK311 departs Hangzhou at 0010hrs and arrives in Dubai at 04:55hrs.

Emirates SkyCargo aims to boost economic ties between China and the UAE with this new route. It will enhance cargo operations across East Asia by meeting the growing demand for reliable air freight services. This service will also cut transit times for high-value goods like electronics and pharmaceuticals between China and regions such as Africa and Latin America.

The airline's Boeing 777-300ER offers eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats with angle-flat design, and 304 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats. Passengers can enjoy Emirates' award-winning inflight entertainment system ice with over 6,500 channels available in more than 40 languages including Chinese. Additionally, regionally inspired cuisine featuring popular Chinese dishes is offered onboard.

From the end of July, Emirates will operate a total of 49 weekly flights to mainland China. This includes double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily flights to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, along with the newly introduced daily service to Hangzhou.

Strategic Growth in East Asia

Kazim further noted that adding a fifth gateway enhances connectivity for travellers while providing businesses efficient access to key East Asian markets. He emphasised that this expansion aligns with Emirates' global growth strategy by linking the world to China's thriving economic corridors. He expressed gratitude towards local authorities for supporting this strategic route.

Emirates SkyCargo plans to utilise this new route to strengthen its presence in East Asia further. It aims to support cross-border e-commerce by reinforcing Hangzhou's role as a major cargo hub. The service is expected to facilitate faster movement of time-sensitive goods between China and key regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

This strategic move positions Emirates as a preferred airline connecting global travellers with China's bustling economic centres. By enhancing both passenger travel options and cargo capabilities, Emirates continues its commitment to fostering international trade relations.

With inputs from WAM