Emirates Upgrades Aircraft on the Newly Launched Abuja Service

Only two months after launching its operations to Abuja, Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has today announced it will upgrade the route’s operating aircraft to a Boeing 777-200ER, starting from 1st October 2014.

Emirates launched a daily service to Abuja - its second Nigerian gateway and 22nd passenger destination in Africa - on 1st August utilizing the Airbus A340-300. The new aircraft will continue to operate daily to Nigeria’s capital and offer 274 seats in the three cabins; 12 luxurious lie-flat seats in First Class, 42 deeply reclining seats in Business Class, and generous space for 220 passengers in Economy Class.

“The upgrade of our Abuja service to a Boeing 777 demonstrates our commitment to Nigeria market and another step to ensure we offer world class products to our customers in Nigeria. Since its launch on 1st August 2014 Emirates boosted international tourism and trade in Abuja from a raft of destinations in the Far East, West Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America,” said Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates' Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa.

A testament to the growing importance of Nigeria as a key Emirates market, the airline currently operates twice daily to Lagos and daily to Abuja, giving a total of nearly 14,000 seats per week.

“Emirates constantly strives to provide its passengers with the very best service and the introduction of a Boeing B777-200 ER reflects that commitment. Our 777-200ER will offer Emirates’ renowned cabin comforts and facilities, including our award-winning ice entertainment system.” added Al Ghaith.

On-board, customers will enjoy specially created regional menus and a wide range of movies, TV programmes, games and music through ice, Emirates' multi-award winning in-flight entertainment system, while being served by Emirates’ multi-lingual cabin crew from over 160 countries around the world.

Emirates flight EK785 departs Dubai daily at 1050hrs and arrives in Abuja at 1510hrs. The return flight, EK 786 departs Abuja at 1935hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0550hrs the next morning.