The Hindu Business Line : Emirates to launch flights to Kolkata from March 26

Emirates will operate six non-stop direct flights every week between Dubai and Kolkata. It will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft in three and two-class configurations.

The services to Kolkata will enhance Emirates' India network to a total of seven cities being served by 63 flights per week, according to a statement issued by the airline.

The announcement follows close on the heels of the airline's recent decision to fortify its network in south India by launching services to Thiruvananthapuram and increasing its flights to Kochi and Chennai starting February 1.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline Group said, "Emirates is delighted to offer its customers another exciting Indian destination. The start of Emirates flights to Kolkata is one more important milestone in the history of our Indian operations, as it signifies our entry into North-East India."

Emirates services between Dubai and Kolkata will open up significant areas of West Asia to Kolkata's business, leisure travel and air freight industries.

Through Emirates SkyCargo, the new services are poised to help the export of leather products, silk fabrics and goods, tea, engineering spares and seafood to West Asia, Europe and North America, and to support the local industry's need for electronics, electrical and spare parts, and household goods.