Emirates, a global catalyst of trade and business, has launched a daily non-stop service to Budapest, marking its first entry into Hungary.
Emirates’ daily flight to Budapest is operated with a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration. The inaugural flight today was welcomed by Jost Lammers, Chief Executive Officer, Budapest Airport, along with partners from the travel trade and local media, at a special reception held at the airport. A contingent comprising His Excellency Zoltan Jancsi - Ambassador of Hungary to the United Arab Emirates and other business leaders, accompanied by senior Emirates representatives, was present on the inaugural flight.
“Our new daily service to Budapest will stimulate growth and provide new opportunities for Hungarian trade and tourism, through greater connectivity via our hub in Dubai. Both businesses and individuals in Hungary will benefit from enhanced links that Emirates will provide to over 60 destinations in the Far East and Australasia, West Asia, Indian Ocean and Middle East.
We believe this new route will support Hungary’s aims to develop closer trade links with the East, and be a catalyst for further trade and tourism growth,” said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates. “I have no doubt that our Hungarian customers will appreciate Emirates’ excellent product and award-winning service.
Emirates’ new daily service will create additional air links to boost Budapest’s accessibility, and at the same time, we are also glad Hungarian travellers have better access to our global network, and vibrant home in Dubai - to enjoy the city’s hospitality, world- class attractions, warm weather and beautiful, sandy beaches.”
"Budapest Airport are delighted to once again celebrate a milestone in Hungarian aviation history. For a fast growing market like Budapest, it is essential to have world class airlines connected and we are delighted that Emirates have launched their daily wide body service from Budapest to Dubai which will provide excellent connections through their Dubai hub,” commented Jost Lammers, Chief Executive Officer, Budapest Airport.
“With tourism numbers to Budapest outperforming most European markets and robust GDP forecasts, we are confident that now is the ideal time to celebrate this route launch and we look forward to seeing Emirates upgrading the aircraft with more capacity in the not too distant future."
Tourism and the cruise industry in Budapest will receive a boost from the start of the new service, with over 3.4 million tourists visiting one of Europe’s most beautiful cities with a diverse mix of World Heritage sites, a vibrant culinary offering and excellent shopping.
With the new daily service, Emirates SkyCargo will offer 12 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity in each direction. Majority of the exports from Hungary are expected to comprise of chemical products bound for North Asia and Asia Pacific. The cargo division expects imports into Hungary to be dominated by semi-conductors, telecommunication devices and components, electronics, and personal and household goods coming in from Asia.
Emirates’ new Budapest route coincides with the opening of the airline’s Customer Contact Centre in the city on 28 October, which will support 300 local jobs, representing a multi-million dollar investment in the local economy. As the fifth largest economy in Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary’s ‘Opening to the East’ economic policy has further strengthened ties between the two countries, with the UAE being Hungary’s largest Arab trading partner with annual trade between the two countries valued at approximately US $1.2 billion.
Emirates’ Airbus A330-200 will offer 27 seats in Business Class and 251 Economy Class seats. EK111 will depart Dubai at 0820hrs* and will arrive at Budapest Airport at 1135hrs*. The return flight, EK112 will depart at 1505hrs* and will arrive at Dubai International Airport at 2330hrs*.
Emirates currently employs 171 Hungarian nationals in various roles across the company, including 124 Cabin Crew and nine Pilots.
Throughout all cabin classes, passengers can enjoy a range of entertainment including the latest international movies, television series, music and games. Seatback SMS, email and satellite phone are also available. Passengers on all Emirates flights enjoy generous baggage allowances with 30 kilos while travelling in Economy Class and 40 kilos in Business Class.
*Flight times are as per winter scheduling.
