Emirates has extended its reach into Iran with the recent launch of flights to Mashhad from its hub in Dubai.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president Commercial Operations Centre for Emirates, said: “The new service to Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city, will not only enhance trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates' vast route network, opening up new opportunities to connect efficiently with destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and West Asia through our world-class Dubai hub. By boosting air transport links from Mashhad to the increasingly connected world economy, we are contributing to the growth of international trade, tourism and investment.”

On board the inaugural flight were Al Mualla, Khalid Al Hinai – vice president Cargo Commercial for the Middle East, GCC and Iran; and Dr Mohammad Reza Fayyaz, Iranian Ambassador to the UAE; among others. 

Emirates’ five weekly flights, operated by a combination of a three class and two class configured A330-200, will help further stimulate the vital trade ties between the UAE and Iran. The UAE is Iran’s biggest non-oil trading partner. It is also Iran’s biggest source of imported goods, worth more than Dh93.5 billion ($25.4 billion) in 2014. In turn, Iran exports goods to the UAE valued at Dh3.8 billion ($1.03 billion), according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Emirates commenced services to Iran in 1990 with two flights a week to Tehran.  It now operates four daily flights to the capital city. Since then, Emirates has carried 7 million passengers in and out of Iran.

In addition to passenger operations, Emirates SkyCargo will offer up to 150 tonnes of cargo capacity per week between Dubai and Mashhad on the A330-200. Popular commodities to be exported out of Mashhad are fruits, vegetables, handmade carpets, saffron and nuts. Imports such as meat, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, machinery and automobile parts will also be vital to the trade exchange. – TradeArabia News Service