Emirates Terminal 3 Revealed to the Media

• Text size
•  
•  

Dubai, Oct. 9th, 2008 (WAM) – Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free showcased the new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International to a select group of media today, ahead of the start of the phased transition of Emirates’ operations to the new facility from 14th October 2008.

With its great dining, spectacular views, fabulous shopping and world-class lounges, Emirates Terminal 3 is set to herald a new era in air travel. Passengers can shop, relax, treat themselves to spa treatments or just carry on business as usual in the comfort of designer lounges that boast fully equipped business centres and fine dining.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, led the group of journalists, photographers and cameramen, along with members of the airport and airline management, on a comprehensive tour of the facility.

The journalists experienced for themselves the spaciousness and facilities of the new, multi-storied concourse which will boost the capacity of Dubai International to more than 60 million travellers a year.

HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Airports and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Airline & Group, commented: "The new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International will make a significant contribution to the far-reaching strategic plan and the vision for Dubai’s future, as directed by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which sets a target of 15 million visitors to Dubai by 2015. The facility will play a leading role in firmly establishing Dubai’s position as a world centre for business, finance, sports and culture.

"It was Sheikh Mohammed’s vision that brought this multi-billion dollar investment to fruition. The complex is, to date, one of the biggest and most ambitious projects in the history of civil aviation and Dubai is proud to be home to it." Paul Griffiths said: "This first phase of our ambitious airport expansion project is now complete and we look forward to welcoming the first customers on 14th October. It is a great opportunity to prove to the world that Dubai can deliver the next step in a whole new level of customer service. The terminal not only embraces stunning design, but a whole range of new facilities never before seen in an airport environment." Commenting that Emirates alone will cater to more than 40 million passengers a year with the completion of Concourse 3 of the terminal, Tim Clark said: "With our growth plans well on track, having a dedicated terminal for Emirates was no longer an option but a necessity. This project has been a very exciting one from the word go and we can now boast of world-class facilities and lounges that will sweep our passengers off their feet. With spas to relax between flights, an entire level of Duty Free shopping, a five- and four-star hotel and fine dining, the airport is truly a destination in itself." The media group was welcomed to Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International in the exclusive First and Business Class Departures Hall, proceeded through to Economy and on up to the floor dedicated to Dubai Duty Free.

Dubai Duty Free will operate over 8,000 square metres of retail space in Emirates Terminal 3 and will more than double its current retail operations at Dubai International.

Commenting on the impressive retail area, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "The new duty free operation at Emirates Terminal 3 will enable passengers to enjoy world-class shopping in stellar surroundings. There is certainly a ‘wow’ factor to the whole terminal and this is mirrored in the retail areas where the latest products, from everyday items to high-end luxury goods, are available 24 hours a day." The tour covered the duty free area onto a dining area, filled with natural light, with outlets overlooking a refreshing water feature amid greenery. Visitors then went on to the double-storey hotel and its spa and gym, then proceeded to tour the Emirates First and Business Class Lounges where they interviewed the airport and airline representatives.

With the start of the phased transition of Emirates’ operations from 14th October, Emirates’ customers to the GCC and the Americas will fly from this new facility. Customers are advised to check from which terminal they are flying before setting off for Dubai International to avoid any unnecessary delays to their journey.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.