Emirates has said that it will operate close to 90% of its pre-COVID-19 pandemic network by the end of July as it restores more destinations and increases flights on other routes over the summer.
Encouraged By Countries Reopening To Visitors
The Dubai state carrier, which recorded a record $5.5 billion loss last week, said that it is encouraged by countries reopening to visitors, forecasting strong demand during the peak summer travel season.
Emirates will operate 880 weekly services to 124 passenger destinations by the end of July, up from 115 last week and compared to a pre-pandemic passenger network of 143 destinations, it said.
Next month, flights will resume to Venice, Phuket, Nice, Orlando, Mexico City, Lyon and Malta and a new service to Miami will commence.
Chairman Statements
"Emirates is committed to keeping Dubai, businesses and communities around the world connected and we are working hard to rebuild our network and secure access to more destinations in partnership with various authorities and stakeholders," chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum said in a statement. "We are encouraged by the latest developments as many countries have begun to turn the page and reopen for international visitors, and we are seeing strong signs of pent-up demand wherever restrictions have eased."
Last week, Sheikh Ahmed said that the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will be patchy, warning that no one can say when the industry's worst ever crisis will be over.
Pre-Pandemic Destination Network
The airline's network consisted of 157 destinations prior to the pandemic, including 14 cargo-only services.
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