Dubai-based Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, will launch services to Sialkot, its fifth route to Pakistan, starting from November 5.

The service will offer four weekly flights operated by an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration - 54 seats in Business Class and 183 in Economy Class. The aircraft can carry up to 17 tonnes of cargo, giving a boost to trade opportunities.

Sialkot is the capital of Sialkot District located in the north-east of the Punjab province in Pakistan. Situated around 125 kilometres north of Lahore, it provides customers with a convenient alternative gateway to the Export Triangle of Pakistan – the area encompassing Gujarat, Sialkot and Gujranwala.

“Pakistan was the first country on our route network when we launched services to Karachi in 1985”, said Barry Brown, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president Commercial Operations East.

“With the addition of this fifth destination the airline will operate 63 flights a week between Dubai and Pakistan.

“Twenty eight years since our first flight, this new service to Sialkot continues to demonstrate the strong ties between the two countries and reinforces Dubai as a conveniently located hub for onward travel on Emirates’ network of 134 destinations. Besides boosting global trade and economic opportunities, this new route will provide additional travel options to Pakistanis wanting to connect with friends, families and colleagues worldwide,” he added.

Sialkot International Airport, which opened in 2007, has the longest runway in Pakistan at 3,600 metres and was wholly funded by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce. – TradeArabia News Service