Emirates to add 17 flights

Emirates said on Wednesday that it plans to increase its footprint in Asia Pacific next month with growth on its Bangkok, Sydney, Manila and Jakarta routes.

Starting in December, the Dubai airline will introduce a fourth daily service to Bangkok, a third daily service to Sydney, two additional flights to Manila and one additional service to Jakarta.

A total of 17 flights per week will be added between December and January, representing 13 percent growth in seat capacity, the carrier said in a statement.

Post increase, the airline’s operation in Asia Pacific will increase to 187 flights per week.

Richard Jewsbury, senior vice president, Commercial Operations Far East and Australasia, said: “The Middle East is one of the few regions that continues to record steady traffic growth, demonstrated by an 8 percen expansion in passenger demand since the beginning of the year.

"At the same time, Asian markets are rebounding with reports of resurgent traffic at key airports in the region. We are confident of seeing a recovery soon and are introducing additional capacity to serve the increasing demand.”

Dubai International Airport reported its fourth consecutive month of double-digit passenger growth in September 2009, with a 35 percent jump in traffic from Asia. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport also roared ahead with 22.4 percent year-on-year growth.