Emirates’ first Boeing 777-300ER prepares for Durban
Guest Writers are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the specific writer directly
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER landed in Durban’s King Shaka International Airport on June 1st. The new 354-seat aircraft introduces Emirates’ first class cabin on the Durban route and boosts passenger capacity by close to 30%.
The airline previously operated the smaller capacity Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the Durban route, currently serves 22 passenger and cargo destinations across the African continent after the addition of Zambia and Zimbabwe in February this year.
“The introduction of the new Boeing 777 is a direct response to increasing passenger demand on this route,” said Fouad Caunhye, Emirates’ regional manager, Southern Africa. “Emirates carried over 165,000 passengers on flights to and from Durban in 2011. With the new Boeing 777 service we expect this to grow by nearly a third.”
The Boeing 777 offers eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 generously-sized Economy Class seats.