Emirates’ inaugural Boeing 777-300ER flight from Dubai touched down in Zagreb to a water cannon salute and traditional Croatian folk dancers, with more than 350 passengers on board.
Traveling on today’s flight EK129 was Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer; Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (Europe & Russian Fed); Gari Cappelli, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Croatia; His Excellency Ali Al Ahmed, UAE Ambassador to Croatia and a contingent of partners and business leaders from Dubai, Hong Kong, India and China.
Demonstrating the high level of interest in the new route and ease of connection inbound to Zagreb, today’s flight carried commercial passengers from more than 16 countries in Emirates’ network, including Taiwan, Australia, India, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, China, Japan, Singapore and South Africa.
In the flight deck of the B777-300ER operating the inaugural flight, were Captain Rashid Al Ismaili from the United Arab Emirates and Croatian-born First Officer Marin Zdrilic. Emirates employs more than 250 Croatian nationals – as pilots, cabin crew and in its ticket office in the Westin Hotel in Zagreb.
On landing at Franjo Tuđman International Airport, the delegation was received by Jacques Feron, CEO of MZLZ d.d. (Franjo Tuđman Airport) and senior airport and local officials.
“Today is an important milestone for Emirates as we launch full operations into the market and reinforce our commitment to growing trade and tourism flows between Dubai and Croatia,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Emirates in Zagreb on behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia. We believe that this direct daily flight between Dubai and Zagreb will bring many benefits to our country, stated Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia Gari Cappelli, adding that this year-round line will contribute to extending the tourist season.
“We are extremely proud of the fact that one of the biggest airlines in the world, Emirates, chose Zagreb as their new destination in this part of Europe and this is even more important if taken in consideration that it comes just after the opening of the new passenger terminal that offers the superior level of service for all passengers and complements the top service provided by Emirates”, stated Jacques Feron, CEO of MZLZ d.d., Concessionaire of Franjo Tuđman Airport.
The service is operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER with a three-class cabin configuration, offering eight private suites in First Class, featuring automated sliding doors for privacy, personal mini-bar and fully inclined seats, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy.
Passengers traveling on the Zagreb service will be able to take advantage of the generous Emirates baggage allowance of up to 35kg in Economy Class and 40kg in Business Class, and 50kg in First Class.
