Dubai-based Emirates is about to become the world's first airline to launch a water limousine airport transfer service. The unique transfer will start on July 1 when Emirates begins its non-stop service from Dubai to Venice.

The Emirates’ Water Limousine will be available exclusively to the First and Business class passengers arriving in, and departing from Venice, the city known for its canals.

Passengers will be transported in comfort aboard partially enclosed Riva-style boats from a dedicated pontoon next to Venice International Airport.

The short and scenic ride from the airport, on the Italian mainland, to the Venetian archipelago avoids the sometimes heavily congested journey by road.

The introduction of the Emirates’ Water Limousine also means passengers can reach hotels using one mode of transport rather than two. Normally, passengers would take a car from the airport and then require a public water taxi for the final leg of the journey.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' executive vice president, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said:  "We have been excited about the water limousine service since first discussing the possibility some time ago and now the arrangements are in place for a superb premium traveller logistical treat. This, after all, is a place sometimes nicknamed the "City of Water," so it is apt that Emirates is incorporating water, and the convenience it provides, into its service."

Al Ghaith added: "Emirates has a strong track record of firsts and pioneering offerings. Nowadays, our passengers, and the market in general, expect new ideas and that is precisely what we have created here. We expect this to be a popular, relaxing way to end or begin a journey." 

The water limousine airport transfer service will initially be operated on a trial basis and reviewed after three months.

Venice will be Emirates' third gateway into Italy, supplementing the existing daily services to Milan and Rome. The new five-times-a-week 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 the Emirates international network via Dubai.

Emirates will operate an Airbus A330-200 on the route which will offer a weekly capacity of just under 2,000 seats, plus 91 tonnes of cargo, in each direction. -TradeArabia News Service