Emirates touches down in Mashhad

SEP 2, 2015: Emirates extended its reach into Iran by linking Dubai with Mashhad, adding a second passenger gateway into the country after Tehran.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president commercial operations centre for Emirates commented, “The new service to Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city and one of its most economically vibrant centres will not only enhance trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates’ vast route network, opening up new opportunities to connect efficiently with destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and West Asia through our world-class Dubai hub. By boosting air transport links from Mashhad to the increasingly connected world economy, we are contributing to the growth of international trade, tourism and investment.”

Upon arrival at Mashhad International Airport, the aircraft was met by a senior delegation from the airport, headed by Eng. Ali Gasem Zedeh, CEO of Mashhad Airport. The inaugural event was followed by a welcome reception and gift exchange ceremony.

Emirates’ five weekly flights, operated by a combination of a three class and two class configured A330-200, will help further stimulate the vital trade ties between the UAE and Iran. The UAE is Iran’s biggest non-oil trading partner. It is also Iran’s biggest source of imported goods, worth more than AED 93.5 billion in 2014. In turn, Iran exports goods to the UAE valued at AED 3.8 billion, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

In addition to passenger operations, Emirates SkyCargo will offer up to 150 tonnes of cargo capacity per week between Dubai and Mashhad on the A330-200. Popular commodities to be exported out of Mashhad are fruits, vegetables, handmade carpets, saffron and nuts. Imports such as meat, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, machinery and automobile parts will also be vital to the trade exchange.