Tourism Breaking News
Emirates has started its highly-anticipated services to the Colombian capital of Bogotá, expanding the airline’s South American network to four destinations and reaching 19 points across the Americas. The daily service, via Miami, is operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft, which will offer premium passenger services on its daily services to Bogotá. Emirates also became the first airline to offer First Class services on the popular route between Miami and Bogotá.
The launch of services to Emirates’ latest destination was celebrated at gate A14 at El Dorado International Airport upon arrival of EK213 from Miami, which was welcomed by traditional Colombian dancers. A cake-cutting ceremony and symbolic gift exchange commemorated the occasion in the presence of a delegation of VIPs including His Excellency Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Colombian Ambassador to the UAE; His Excellency Mohamed Alshamsi, UAE Ambassador to Colombia: Sergio Paris Mendoza, Director General of Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia; and Natali Leal, OPAIN General Manager.
Emirates executives who were onboard the flight and led the ceremony upon arrival included Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Passenger Sales and Country Management and Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations – Americas. Emirates’ senior executive delegation was also accompanied by international media, who flew from Dubai and Miami, and were joined at the airport event by Scott Lantz, Area Manager Mexico and Colombia as well as Colombian Vice Ministers, Ambassadors, and other distinguished guests.
Following the welcome ceremony between the airline and airport officials, Emirates showcased its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration* to dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel trade industry. The aircraft features eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class for the daily service.
On the commencement of flights to Bogotá, Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ EVP Passenger Sales and Country Management said: “The addition of Bogotá to our network reinforces our deep commitment to South America and to expanding our reach in this important continent. Bogotá’s status as a key leisure and business destination makes it a gateway we have long wanted to serve, and the new flights will become a conduit to enhance trade flows, improve market access and open pathways for investment across a number of sectors between Colombia and the UAE. We are also excited to provide our premium services between Miami and Bogotá and to introduce a First Class offering for the first time-ever on this popular route. This allows us to offer a signature travel experience for customers, helping to drive more visitors between the US and Colombia.
“We would like to thank Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia, El Dorado International Airport and all stakeholders and authorities in Colombia, the US and the UAE for making it possible to add Bogotá to our global network.”
Sergio Paris Mendoza, Director General of Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia commented: “Colombia, the gateway to South America, connects for the first time with the Middle East via the Bogota-Miami-Dubai route operated by Emirates. Through Emirates’ services we are delighted to have the opportunity to increase inbound tourism and trade between Colombia and the Middle East.”
Natali Leal, OPAIN General Manager added: “We welcome Emirates to El Dorado. With their arrival, we solidify our position as one of the leading air terminals in Latin America and the gateway to Colombia. Now, with this new airline, we can offer better connections and experiences to our travelers. Currently, 40 million passengers travel through El Dorado annually, and we are ready to welcome new travelers eager to experience Emirates. We extend our warmest welcome with the commitment to being your partners in providing unique and memorable experiences.”
Emirates’ daily flight EK213 departs Dubai at 0215hrs and arrives in Miami at 1005hrs. The flight then departs Miami at 1205hrs, arriving in Bogotá at 1455hrs. Emirates’ return flight EK214 leaves Bogotá at 1719hrs and arrives in Miami at 2215hrs. The flight then departs Miami at 0045hrs the next day arriving in Dubai at 2300hrs. All times are local.
Tickets to Bogotá can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents.
Expanding network and Avianca partnership
The new daily service to Bogotá will provide travellers from Colombia convenient access to Dubai, via Miami, as well as connectivity to popular destinations in the Far East, West Asia and Africa.
Thanks to the recent codeshare agreement with Avianca, Emirates customers flying from its network and Dubai via Madrid, Barcelona, or London Heathrow can fly direct to three points in Colombia and enjoy seamless connectivity, in addition to other travel benefits that introduce more convenience. Codeshare flights that will be available for customers to select from include Madrid to Bogotá, Medellin or Cali; Barcelona to Bogotá; and London Heathrow to Bogotá.
Customers of both airlines will enjoy the convenience of seamless connectivity, hassle-free booking of itineraries on both airlines on a single ticket while reaping the benefit of securing competitive fares, and a one baggage policy.
Fly Better with inflight and on the ground services
Extending its fly better promise, customers flying with Emirates can enjoy superior levels of comfort onboard, indulge in regionally-inspired dining and world-class entertainment aboard its widebody fleet of aircraft. Customers on flights between Miami and Bogotá can get a taste of Colombian food and beverages with special menus and dishes all provided on a complimentary basis. In First Class and Business Class, the dishes are accompanied by local breads and hot chocolate while popular Colombian snacks are served in Economy Class.
Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering 354 seats across three cabins, will elevate the premium services on the Bogotá-Miami route with lie-flat seats in First and Business Class. Customers will also benefit from a generous baggage allowance policy (conditions apply).
Onboard, customers can also relax with complimentary access to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment, including Spanish content, movies, series, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks, and more with Emirates’ award-winning “ice” entertainment system.
Trade between UAE and Colombia
To support the movement of commodities and goods around the world, the new Boeing 777-300ER services will also offer up to 20 tonnes of capacity for cargo on each flight, opening up access to more global markets for Colombian exports such as fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables and other perishable goods.
Colombians have become one of the fastest growing diaspora communities in the UAE and the largest amongst the Latin American communities. Emirates services will connect Colombians to the airline’s global network of over 140 destinations, offering them a world-class service with industry leading products.
Passengers on flights in both directions between Dubai and Bogotá should meet entry regulations for the United States and hold the required documents, due to immigration procedures in Miami. Colombian and UAE citizens can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days in Dubai and Bogotá respectively, thanks to reciprocal visa arrangements in place between both countries.
