DUBAI, U.A.E., 11th March 2006 - Emirates, one of the world'sfastest growing international airlines, is gearing up for thelaunch of its thrice-a-week service to Addis Ababa, the capitalcity of Ethiopia.

The Dubai-based airline, which will start operations to AddisAbaba effective 27th March, has already recruited Ethiopian nationalsto manage its Passenger, Airport and Cargo operations.

Currently, the Emirates team in Addis Ababa comprise of 14 Ethiopians,which will be upped to 30 plus nationals in due course.

Preparations are also underway to have the new Emirates officefunctional by the start of operations on 27th March. The centrallylocated office at Dembel City Centre will be spread over threefloors and will house the airline's Ticketing, Sales, Reservations,Finance, and Management departments.

The plush office which is expected to herald a new dimensionof customer service in Addis Ababa will feature dedicated countersfor travel agents, First and Business Class passengers, and exclusiveinformation cum registration counters for Gold and Silver cardmembers of Skywards - the airline's frequent flyer programme.

Addressing a press conference in Addis Ababa, Emirates' SeniorVice President Commercial Operations Africa, Nasser Bin Kherbashsaid: "Emirates is very excited to be launching services to AddisAbaba. Our teams, both here in Ethiopia and Dubai are workingdiligently to ensure a smooth and seamless start of our localoperations." Mr Sudhir Sreedharan, Emirates' Manager Ethiopia stated: "Asone of the world's most lauded airlines, passengers have highexpectations from Emirates. With Emirates' well-established reputationfor superior customer service both in the air and on the ground,I am confident that we will meet and exceed the expectationsof our valued Ethiopian customers."Emirates is also in the process of establishing its travel agentsnetwork. Ethiopian travellers can book Emirates award-winningservice through the Emirates office or via select travel agents.

Mr Bin Kherbash added: "A robust non-oil trade of US$ 76.14 millionin 2004 bears testimony to Dubai and Ethiopia's strong tradinglinks. Consumer and capital goods from the U.A.E are exportedin ever-increasing quantities to Ethiopia. By providing a directlink, Emirates will fuel the trade between our two countries."Ethiopia's predominantly agricultural economy can take advantageof Emirates' 80 global destination network to boost its exportsof coffee, cereal, pulses and oilseeds. Likewise, the airline'sservices will also provide increased connectivity to internationaltourists keen to explore the East African country and its sevenUNESCO World Heritage sites.

To Addis Ababa, Emirates will operate its Airbus A330-200 aircraftequipped with 12, 42 and 183 seats in First, Business and Economyclass, and a belly-hold cargo capacity of 17 tonnes.

Emirates currently serves East Africa with double-daily flightsto Nairobi and daily flights to Entebbe and Dar-es-Salaam. Withthe addition of Addis Ababa, Emirates' East Africa network willbe boosted to four destinations served by 31 weekly flights.

From 1st December 2006, Emirates will step up its services toAddis Ababa to include daily flights.

Emirates flight EK 724 will depart Addis Ababa on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays at 19:35 hours and arrive at Dubai InternationalAirport at 00:45 hours the following day.

Return flight EK 723 will take off from Dubai every Monday, Wednesdayand Friday at 08:25 hours and arrive in Addis Ababa at 11:30hours.