Emirates set to add 3rd daily flight to Rome

Emirates Airline said on Monday it will boost its operations in Italy this October as the airline adds a third daily flight to Rome. This will take the total number of flights offered to Italy to 56 a week, the Dubai-based carrier said in a statement. Starting October 1, EK 099 will be operated by a 237-seat Airbus A330-200, which will also add a total of 15 tonnes of cargo-carrying capacity to the route. Rome is currently served twice daily by Emirates. Coupled with a triple daily service to Milan commencing on June 1 and a double daily flight to Venice beginning March 25, the increased weekly frequencies will contribute to a burgeoning trade relationship between Italy and the UAE worth $4.6bn. Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ senior vice president, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation, said: “The third daily service to Rome represents another significant initiative that is part of Emirates’ partnership with Italy. “We will continue to invest in Italy, empowering the local economy and helping it expand its business and tourism presence.” Fabrizio Palenzona, chairman of Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), added: “Without a doubt, Emirates represents a strategic partner in ensuring further traffic growth between Rome and all the main long haul routes in Asia, Australia and a large part of Africa. "After being the first airport in Italy able to welcome the A380, thanks to the investment for a new dedicated loading bridge, we’re now looking forward in cutting the ribbon next October 1 for this new additional flight,” he said. With a fleet of 171 aircraft, and 233 on order, Emirates is the world's largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator. Emirates currently flies to 122 destinations in 72 countries. Emirates is increasing services to mainland Europe with flights being launched to Barcelona on July 3 and Lisbon from July 9.