Emirates (EK) today operated a one-off service of its flagship Airbus A380 to Mauritius on the occasion of the island’s 45th anniversary of independence. Flight EK701 from Dubai touched down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at approximately 09h40L.
Passengers, many of whom had booked especially to be on the unique flight, were joined by a top-level delegation from the airline including; Tim Clark, President of Emirates, Adnan Kazim, Divisional Senior Vice President, Planning and Research, Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations - Gulf, Middle East & Iran and Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President, West Asia and Indian Ocean.
The aircraft was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute with the VIP delegation being welcomed by Sarupanand Kinnoo, acting-Director of Civil Aviation, Serge Petit, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Mauritius and André Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of Air Mauritius, an Emirates' code-share partner on this route.
The aircraft was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute with the VIP delegation being welcomed by Sarupanand Kinnoo, acting-Director of Civil Aviation, Serge Petit, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Mauritius and André Viljoen, Chief Executive Officer of Air Mauritius, an Emirates' code-share partner on this route.
"Emirates operation of the first commercial flight of an A380 to Mauritius on such a symbolic day is testament to the importance of the destination in our network," said Tim Clark.
"Our partnership with the country and Air Mauritius has been strong since we started our operations ten years ago. As a major partner of the tourism industry, we will continue to support the island throughout our network to stimulate in-bound traffic," he added.
"Today is an auspicious day for Mauritius and we are welcome the fact that Emirates has chosen today in the history of our airport to bring the first commercial flight of an A380 to Mauritius", said Serge Petit, CEO of Airports of Mauritius. "The A380 brings with it the opportunity to increase the number of passenger seats to the island. This is where the significant investment in our brand new terminal and airside infrastructure as well as all our drive towards modernisation would pay dividends," he added.
Emirates A380 EK701 Touches down in Mauritius
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| Emirates A380 in Mauritius (IslandCrisis) |
After a welcoming ceremony, Mauritian VIPs, media and members of the travel industry were given a guided tour of the A380 by Emirates cabin crew, several of whom are from Mauritius. Also joining the tour were a group of 150 young Mauritians from various regions of the island who got the opportunity to watch and play Emirates' in-flight entertainment system, ICE, before being given a special gift-pack to commemorate the day.
