DUBAI,1 February, 2016 - Emirates has announced that it will start a new non-stop daily service between Dubai and Auckland from 2 March 2016, putting Auckland just one stop the airline’s 53 European and Middle Eastern destinations.

The move will also see 322 tonnes per week in bellyhold cargo added to Emirates SkyCargo’s network as the passenger service will be operated by a Boeing 777-200LR.

“This new flight will help to significantly increase the number of people travelling between New Zealand and Europe, India and of course the Middle East,” said Norris Carter, Auckland Airport’s general manager – aeronautical commercial. “It will help to further stimulate travel, trade and tourism with these important and growing markets.”

It is estimated the new service will add US $125 million to the New Zealand economy annually.

Emirates Airline already operates three Emirates A380 flights daily between Auckland and Dubai - via Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The new non-stop Dubai service will reduce journey times by around three hours each way and will be the second-longest flight time in Emirates’ network at 17 hours and 15 minutes, just 20 minutes shorter than the direct Dubai-Panama City flights scheduled to begin in March.