SAUDI Arabia will receive a 12 percent boost in Emirates services this year, as the airline ramps up its commitment to the Kingdom. Jeddah and Riyadh will benefit from the increased services, with a total of 1,722 additional seats in each direction per week between Emirates' hub in Dubai and the Kingdom, up almost 12 percent from the current 15,140 seats per week. The new services to Jeddah will take effect from June 1 and to Riyadh from August 1. The added capacity will result in an extra four weekly services to Jeddah and three weekly flights to Riyadh. The new service from Jeddah will operate each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, increasing the current service from 14 to 18 flights per week. EK801 will depart Dubai at 0155 arriving in Jeddah at 0340. The return journey from Jeddah, EK802 will depart at 0515 arriving in Dubai at 0855. The service will be operated by an A330, offering Emirates' First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Riyadh's current double daily service will be boosted to 17 weekly flights with the additional frequency operating each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. EK819 will depart Dubai at 0655 arriving in Riyadh at 0750. The return journey from Riyadh, EK820 will depart at 0920 arriving in Dubai at 1205. The service will be operated by an A340, offering Emirates' First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. "With over $750 billion worth of new construction projects in the pipeline in Saudi Arabia, there is a clear requirement for added capacity to support the country's growth ambitions. The injection of over 1,700 additional seats per week on these routes will further facilitate trade between the Kingdom and the 122 worldwide destinations that Emirates serves" said Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates Vice President, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
