Emirates, the international airline of the UAE, will launch five non-stop flights a week starting September 1 to Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, making it the airline’s 106th international destination.

Emirates will fly an Airbus A340-300 non-stop to Dakar on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The service will offer a three-class configuration of 12 first class, 42 business and 213 economy class seats.

Dakar is the airline's third new African destination in less than 12 months, after Durban and Luanda joined the network in late 2009.

“We are delighted to announce Dakar as our nineteenth destination into Africa,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

"This service will link Dakar to Emirates' network of over 100 international markets spanning six continents, facilitating the smooth transfer of business and leisure travellers as well as cargo,” he added.

Karim Wade, senior minister, Ministry of International Cooperation, National Planning, Air Transport and Infrastructure, Senegal said: "As the first direct service between Senegal and the UAE, this new route will deliver a significant boost to our nation's trade, commerce and tourism industries,”

Wade continued: "Just as our countries share an 'open skies' agreement, so we also share a strong tradition of hospitality and Senegal looks forward to extending a warm welcome to Emirates and all its customers."

The 18 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity on the A340-300 aircraft will support key Senegalese exports such as fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, primarily destined for EK destinations in the Mediterranean such as Athens, Larnaca and Beirut. – Reuters