Emirates joins the airfare price war
MELBOURNE – Emirates has reacted to moves to Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas and British Airways to slash international airfares from Australia.
Emirates is offering reduced airfares to the airline’s 22 destinations in Europe and 14 destinations in the Middle East.
In some cases the cuts are up to 50 percent off the previous fare.
Valid for travel from April 20 until November 30, 2009, Emirates return prices start from $1250 to Europe and $1290 to the Middle East from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Prices are inclusive of fuel and security surcharges, while specific airport taxes for the chosen destination are additional.
Bookings must be completed by April 20, 2009.
Qantas is charging $1495 return for a Melbourne-London ticket, just $76 more than SIA’s heavily discounted offer of $1471.
With Emirates, it costs less to fly Australia-Europe via Dubai than it does between Australia and Dubai only, an indication that the carrier is very keen to maintain its market share on the UK and Europe routes.
Emirates has also announced that it will start flights to Angola, its 17th African destination. The Dubai – Luanda service, which begins August 2, will operate three times a week on a Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Ian Jarrett
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