OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates launched services to Conakry in the Republic of Guinea, marking its 24th destination in Africa and sixth new destination launch since January 2013.

Situated on the Atlantic coast of Africa, Conakry is the nation's economic, financial and cultural centre, home to an estimated population of 2 million people, almost a quarter of the nation's total population. Agriculture and mineral production are Guinea's main economic activities. The country is also one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, and has rich deposits of diamonds and gold.

Emirates' Conakry service, which is linked to its existing Dakar operation, provides new opportunities for business and leisure travellers in Guinea to seamlessly connect to Emirates' worldwide network through its Dubai hub, particularly to destinations in China and other cities in Asia, the Middle East, India, and Australia.

Emirates launched services to Conakry in the Republic of Guinea, its 136th international destination. Conakry is Emirates' 24th gateway in Africa, and the sixth new destination launched since January 2013. From left to right; Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates' Vice President Commercial Operations Northern and Western Africa, Khalid Ghanem Al Ghaith, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, His Excellency AlHassane Souare, Guinean Ambassador to the UAE, Hubert Frach, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations West, and Duncan Christopher Watson, Emirates' Vice President Cargo Commercial.

The new Conakry service will be operated by an Airbus 340-300 .

“We are excited to be able to serve our customers in Guinea with our new Conakry flight, and expect Dubai to be a popular choice for business travellers seeking commercial opportunities and onward flight connections, as well as for leisure travellers looking for world-class accommodation and entertainment options,” said Hubert Frach, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations West.

“Emirates is committed to making our Conakry service a success. We are confident our new service can contribute to Guinea's continued economic growth and development by opening new conduits for trade and investment, through our growing worldwide network. We would like to thank the Guinean authorities for their support and look forward to working with our partners and suppliers here in Conakry,” added Mr Frach.

“The launch of Emirates services to Conakry is perceived by the Guinean authorities as one of the key factors which will strengthen the existing economic and commercial ties between the Republic of Guinea and the United Arab Emirates, the GCC countries as well as Asia,” said Guinean Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency AlHassane Souare. “In addition, Guinean authorities will ensure that both the public and private sectors will maximize this significant opportunity that will emerge from the new Emirates services to Conakry.”

Travelling with Mr Frach on the inaugural flight EK795 to Conakry, were Guinean Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency AlHassane Souare, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Khalid Ghanem Al Ghaith, Emirates' Vice President Cargo Commercial, Duncan Christopher Watson, Emirates' Vice President Commercial Operations Northern and Western Africa, Adil Al Ghaith, and prominent members of the business community.

On landing in Conakry, Emirates delegates were met by the Prime Minister of Guinea, His Excellency Mohamed Said Fofana, along with high profile government officials and members of the local media.

Travellers on the Dubai-Conakry-Dakar flight will fly on Airbus A340-300 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.

In addition to passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo offers nearly 13 tonnes of cargo capacity per flight, supporting Guinea's key exports of perishables such as fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, rock and oil samples, and imports of general cargo, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mobile phones and electronics, mining equipment and machinery.

The linked service to Dakar will operate four times a week each Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Emirates flight EK795 departs Dubai at 07:20hrs and arrives at Conakry International Airport at 14:00 hours the same day. The flight will then depart Conakry at 15:25hrs arriving in Dakar at 17:05hrs, then departing Dakar at 18:35hrs to arrive in Dubai at 07:40 the next day.