Emirates is expecting a surge in business with the opening of its new offices inVenice, ahead of the Venice-Dubai route launch on July 1.

The Dubai-based carrier now flies to more than 90 destinations across the globe. Its Dubai-Venice flight will provide the only direct air link between Venice and the Middle East.

Emirates has a 14-strong team in Venice to support operations on the ground, adding to the more than 190 Italians employed throughout the Emirates Group.

There are eight Airport Services staff, including a Airport Services Manager, a Supervisor Airport Services, four Airport Services Agents and two Senior Ticket Desk Agents.

The Venice sales team includes a Senior Sales Executive and a Senior Sales Support Assistant, while Emirates SkyCargo has a team of four comprising a Cargo Manager, A Cargo Supervisorand two Senior Cargo Agents.

All staff have now started work and are based at the just-opened Emirates' offices at VeniceMarco Polo Airport.

'This is an exciting moment for Emirates in Italy and represents another important step in the development of the airline's international route network. I am already encouraged by the response we've been receiving from customers on this route, particularly inbound and outbound group bookings. I am sure with the new Emirates' Venice office in full swing and all the key personnel in place, passenger traffic will really start to move,' said Area Manager of Emirates Italy, Iberian Peninsula and States of ex-Yugoslavia Massimo Massini.

To celebrate the launch of the Venice route, Skywards is offering its members Business and Economy Class rewards for 50 per cent less Miles. From July 1 to September 30, Skywards members can experience the sights and sounds of this charming city from just 20,000 Miles in Economy Class or 40,000 in Business Class. Offer specific terms and conditions apply, for details visit www.skywards.com.

The five-times-a-week service supplements Emirates' existing flights into Milan and Rome. The new service will connect the catchment area around Venice, including the Italian cities of Verona, Trieste, Florence and Bologna, as well as the neighbouring country of Slovenia, with Emirates.Trade Arabia News Service