JEDDAH: Thanks to the entry of A380 aircraft into Saudi Arabia, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines will offer business class on its flights between Jeddah and Dubai from Feb. 1. At present the airline offers only first and economy classes on its daily flights between Jeddah and Dubai and between Riyadh-Dubai. By offering 76 business class seats — initially four days a week — Emirates is in fact filling a gap on the Saudi sector. According to travel industry professionals, there is a big demand for business class seats on this sector but most airlines, including Emirates, do not offer it. And those who do offer only a limited number of seats.
The fare difference between first and economy class is very great. Middle level managers are often authorized to travel business class but in the absence of availability, they have to travel economy. By limiting first class seats to 14 private suites — instead of the present 42 — and increasing the number of business class seats, Emirates is targeting a section presently under served by regional airlines.
Jeddah will be the eighth destination on the growing list of airports served by Emirates A380. The other seven are Sydney, Auckland, Heathrow (London), Bangkok, Toronto, Seoul and Paris.
Initially Emirates A380 aircraft will fly four days a week — Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday — offering a total of 517 seats including 427 economy. Beginning on June 1, the flight will be daily.