Emirates has launched its new four times weekly service to Porto, its second destination in Portugal. The new service provides travellers from across Emirates’ global network with a direct flight to the popular city in the north of the country. The inaugural flight, EK197, touched down at the city’s international airport on July 2, marking the start of the airline’s first service to northern Portugal. The Emirates Boeing 777-200LR, in a two-class cabin configuration featuring Emirates’ newest Business Class and Economy Class seats and interiors, was welcomed by Porto Airport with a water cannon salute. Speaking at an event at the airport to celebrate the new service, Thierry Aucoc, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe, Russian Federation and Latin America, Emirates, said, “Travellers in northern Portugal will now have a convenient and direct flight option to our Dubai hub, from where they can seamlessly access Emirates’ global network, particularly to destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.” Also speaking at the event, José Luís Arnaut, Chairman of the Board, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, said, “Emirates’ investment in this route is the result of joint efforts between the airline, ANA as well as tourism and Northern Region stakeholder teams. We are therefore excited by this new service, as it shows the region’s development and attractiveness as both a business and leisure destination.” The flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and depart Dubai as EK197 at 09:15 hrs and arrive in Porto at 14:30 hrs. The return flight, EK198, will depart Porto at 17:35 hrs and land in Dubai at 04:15 hrs the next morning.
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