Boeing 777-200LR to replace existing A340-500 from February 2014

DUBAI, U.A.E., 25th July 2013 Less than nine months after launching its inaugural service to Lyon, Emirates has today announced it will upgrade the route’s operating aircraft to a Boeing 777-200LR, effective from 1st February 2014.

Offering a total of 266 seats in each direction the upgraded aircraft will continue to operate five times per week and will offer customers eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 of its latest lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for 216 passengers in Economy Class.

Since its launch in December last year Emirates has carried over 56,000 passengers between Dubai and Lyon, boosting international tourism in Lyon from destinations in the Middle and Far East as well as Australia. Only Lyon, the city’s tourism body has also been a strong supporter of Emirates’ since launch, working with the airline to increase awareness of the city’s unique heritage.

“The upgrade of our Lyon service to a Boeing 777 is a clear marker of the route’s success since its launch late last year, highlighting the strong growth potential of this destination,” said Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Operations Worldwide. “Offering the highest standards of passenger comfort, our customers travelling to and from Lyon will now be able to enjoy the added in-flight features afforded by this aircraft, including lie-flat seats in Business Class and extended inflight entertainment options in all classes.”

“Prior to Emirates’ service, Lyon and its catchment area were significantly underserviced by international carriers. With this new direct service customers can now conveniently connect to 10 points in India as well as a raft of destinations in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Australia,” added Mr Antinori.

In addition to increased seating comfort Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR also features ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system which offers up to 1,500 channels of inflight entertainment including the latest French films.

“Offering a Boeing 777 on this route, from February next year, underscores our commitment to not only this French gateway but also to offering our customers the highest standards of inflight comfort,” added Mr Antinori.

Passengers flying First Class with Emirates can enjoy a very generous baggage allowance of 50kg, in Business Class, 40kg and in Economy Class, a sizable 30kg. The airline’s chauffeur-drive service is available to both First Class and Business Class passengers in Lyon and Dubai.

Emirates flight EK81 departs Dubai every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1425hrs, arriving in Lyon at 1950hrs the same day. The return journey leaves Lyon at 2145hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0615hrs the next day.

Emirates press release