Emirates kicked off its Rio de Janeiro countdown in style on the 24th November, as the airline got ready to launch daily services to the 2014 FIFA World Cup host city from 3rd January 2012
The new direct service to Rio de Janeiro, with an onward extension to Buenos Aires, will provide seamless connections to Emirates' network of more than 100 destinations worldwide.
"As Emirates' second Brazilian gateway, our new Rio de Janeiro service will add extra impetus to the vibrant Brazilian economy, boosting tourism and underpinning the city's status as a leading hub for business and trade, particularly within the oil and gas industries," said Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President -Passenger Sales Worldwide.
"Emirates anticipates strong demand for both leisure and business travel to Rio de Janeiro, especially as Brazil will host a series of world-class events over the next few years, including the 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, added Mr Antinori. "As a Partner of the 2014 World Cup, Emirates is proud that we have a role to play in making the tournament a success, and we look forward to bringing football fans from across our global network to this unmissable event."
"This new Emirates flight is a big win for Rio de Janeiro as it will feed global traffic into the city, boosting tourism and creating new opportunities for trade between this market and numerous emerging economies," said Mr. Rodrigo Solano, Manager of Markets and Business, Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Rio de Janeiro, also known as the 'Marvellous City,' is renowned for its spectacular natural setting. The city, which is home to Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches as well as the famous Maracana Football Stadium, receives more visitors than any other city in South America, welcoming an estimated 2.8 million international tourists each year.
