Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, launched its daily nonstop service from Dubai to Houari Boumediene Airport yesterday. It is the 22nd gateway for Emirates in Africa and the airline's 130th international destination.

"The launch of our operations in Algiers will provide a wealth of new travel options for customers in Algeria, who will be able to fly non-stop to our industry leading hub in Dubai and conveniently connect to points across the Middle East, the Asian Subcontinent, the Far East and Australasia," said Adel Al-Redha, executive vice president engineering and operations.

Travelers to Algiers will fly on Airbus A330-200 aircraft, with a three class configuration featuring Emirates' award-winning service and passenger comforts, including hundreds of channels of on-demand inflight entertainment, the ability to send and receive emails and text messages, meals prepared by gourmet chefs and superior service from the airline's international cabin crew recruited from over 130 countries.

"With the start of our daily non-stop service from Dubai, Emirates looks forward to introducing a whole new audience to Algeria, bringing leisure travellers from around the globe to experience this country's unique attractions. We are confident that Algeria will be a popular destination for business and leisure travellers alike, boosting tourism and opening new markets for business and trade." added Al-Redha.

On board yesterday's inaugural were Emirates' Executive Vice President Engineering and Operations, Al Redha, Emirates' divisional senior vice president planning and research, Adnan Kazim, Emirates' divisional senior vice president group security, Abdullah Al-Hashimi, Emirates' senior vice president commercial operations for Africa, Jean Luc Grillet, and Emirates senior vice president cargo, planning and freighters, Hiran Perera.

Their special guests on the flight included the Algerian Ambassador to the UAE, Hamid Chebira, global head-DVP, VFS (GCC) LLC, Pradeep Suvarna, and managing director of Michelin, Prashant Prabhu.