Emirates Opens First Travel Store in Hong Kong, Eyes More Flights to China
Emirates has launched its first travel store in Hong Kong, marking a significant expansion in the Far East. The new store underscores the region's importance to Emirates' growth strategy, coinciding with ongoing talks between the UAE and China to increase flight schedules.
The new Emirates Travel Store, located in the Nexxus Building in Central Hong Kong, features 1,500 sq ft of space with four customer service desks, Emirates merchandise, travel consultants, self-service stations, and interactive screens displaying Emirates products and offers. A highlight of the store is the limited-time premium economy seat display, allowing customers to experience Emirates' award-winning product.
The opening ceremony was attended by UAE Consul General Shaikh Saoud Al Mualla, Emirates Area Manager Sultan Alriyami, and led by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations in the Far East. Abbas emphasized Hong Kong's strategic importance to Emirates, which currently operates 21 weekly flights to the city, offering over 19,400 seats. Additionally, Emirates has recently revamped its lounge at Hong Kong International Airport and expanded its Chauffeur service for business class customers.
In China, Emirates is looking to expand its operations and has been actively engaging in talks with Chinese authorities. The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Cultural Centre in the UAE and Hong Kong's tourism board to promote its services. Emirates currently operates up to 35 weekly flights to China, excluding Hong Kong, with routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, providing nearly 25,000 weekly seats. Through its partnership with China Southern Airlines, Emirates passengers can access 24 domestic destinations in China.
Emirates' commitment to expanding its presence in China is evident as it marks two decades of service to the country, having launched its first flight to Shanghai in 2004. Orhan Abbas reiterated the airline's ambition to grow further in the Chinese market, citing the region as one of Emirates' largest markets.