Emirates touched down in Warsaw on 6 February 2013, marking the airline's first scheduled service to Poland and 129th international destination.
Emirates' daily flight is the first international service to offer a first-class product in Poland. With the UAE already the single largest Middle East trading partner in Poland, reaching nearly AED1bn a year, this new service is expected to further enhance economic links between the two countries.
Marking the importance of this Eastern European gateway, the high-profile delegation on board the inaugural flight included Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sheibani, director general of the Dubai Ruler's Court; and Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, along with other VIPs and a delegation from the UAE media.
"Today's launch is a significant one, not only for Emirates but also for Poland," said Sheikh Ahmed. "This new service will enable direct links into Poland, facilitating travel for tourists and traders from East Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Stimulating trade and driving demand for not only our services but the new destination is an integral part of our growth strategy and we see Warsaw as an important part of this."
The VIP delegation was welcomed by Ambassador Asim Mirza Ali Mohammed Al Rahma, UAE ambassador to Poland, and Michal Marzec, the director of Warsaw Chopin Airport, along with members of the local media.
"This is truly an important day and a great honour for Warsaw Chopin Airport to have an Emirates aircraft on our tarmac," said Michal Marzec, director of Warsaw Chopin Airport. "Emirates' presence in the region enhances our airport's prestige and importance as a regional hub."
The strong bilateral trade relations between the UAE and Poland are evident in the large number of Polish businesses that operate within the UAE. With this new daily direct service from Dubai, trade between the two economies is expected to increase exponentially, aided by a convenient flight schedule and increased consumer awareness.
Emirates' flight EK179 will take off daily from Dubai at 07.30 and land in Warsaw at 10.45, served by a 237-seat Airbus A330-200 in a three-class configuration. The return flight EK180 will depart Warsaw at 13.50, arriving in Dubai at 22.15 the same day.
