Emirates set to launch major push in Spain

Emirates Airline has said it will launch Barcelona as its route to Spain in July, just days after doubling flights to Madrid.

The airline said it is embarking on a major boost to its services in Spain on the heels of mounting demand for its Madrid service, launched in August 2010.

The daily Barcelona flights will start on July 3, while the Madrid services will be doubled from July 1.

Emirates’ 30th European destination will be served with a 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER, the carrier said in a statement.

Barcelona, in the north east corner of Spain, is a popular tourist destination and an important commercial city.     

“Emirates is making a very significant investment in Spain. To announce a new destination and a doubling of services to an existing gateway at the same time demonstrates our belief in the market and our commitment to the country," said Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airline.

“Madrid has been a strong performer and the demand is there for a second frequency, while we need a second point serving the dynamic Catalonia region.”

The European Cities Monitor 2011 named Barcelona as the top European city for employees’ quality of living and the 6th most attractive city in Europe to do business.

Emirates has been serving Spain with passenger flights since 2010, while Emirates SkyCargo has been operating freighter services to Spain since 2006, largely in support of the country’s fashion industry.

Clothes are also amongst Catalonia’s main exports to the Gulf, with overall trade between Spain and the UAE reaching $1.13bn in 2010, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade.