Orhan Abass: “The A380 service to Mauritius is highly popular”

The launching of the A380 in December on the Dubai-Mauritius route has been a success. Emirates carried more than 60,000 passengers and 700 tons of cargo on the A380 from 16^th December 2013 to 28^th February 2014, Orlan Abass said.

BUSINESSMAG. How are Emirates’ operations to Mauritius?

We have every reason to be satisfied with our operations to the island. Travel demand is growing. In 2012, Emirates carried over 350,000 passengers and 6,000 tons of cargo between Mauritius and its global network which today comprises 140-plus destinations spanning 80 countries.

Since 16^th December 2013, we have operated the A380 on this route on a daily basis. We have carried more than 60,000 passengers and almost 700 tons of cargo on the A380 between Dubai and Mauritius from that date to 28^th February 2014. As you see, the A380 service to the island is already highly popular. Upgrading to the A380 added 153 passengers each day, 1,071 seats a week to Mauritius. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights to Mauritius and this translates to 853 per day and 5,971 seats per week in each direction.

Since we launched this route in September 2002, Emirates has carried more than 2.5 million passengers and almost 55,000 tons of cargo between Dubai and Mauritius.

Our global network is a very strong one. We connect Mauritius to the entire world, through Dubai.

BUSINESSMAG. What explains your success on this route?

Since the beginning, we have engaged in marketing campaigns across our network. The secret is marketing. Throughout the years, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority to create and sustain awareness around the destination.

We are proud to have deve-loped new markets for the country.  Emirates is often asked about the secret of its success. A passion to be the very best, innovation, a fantastic product with great customer service, a strong management team and astute cost consciousness are amongst the factors that have played an important role.

I believe we have been successful in Mauritius because we have respected the commitments we took.  The hotel industry will remember that at the peak of the global crisis we actually increased frequencies to the island. We have supported the tourism sector whenever it was required, and we will continue to do so.

Our success is the result of a well-thought strategy. Our network is strong enough to create our own market. Emirates’ partnership with the destination is a win-win one.

BUSINESSMAG. Why has Emirates decided to introduce the A380 on the Dubai-Mauritius route?

Emirates is renowned for leading market trends — personal entertainment systems in all seats, as well as private first-class suites, are among its many notable firsts. These are very popular on the route to Mauritius.

The main talking point amongst those who have flown on the upper deck of the A380 is the Onboard Lounge, where Business Class and First Class travellers can exchange tales and talk business over a drink at 40,000 feet.

All Emirates’ A380s are fitted with WiFi, allowing full connectivity with the ground. It’s a fantastic product and we should all be proud that this aircraft is coming to the island every day.

Basically, we are confident to be able to increase the number of tourists we bring to Mauritius as the campaigns we run are bearing their fruits. As Mauritius is a high-end destination, the A380 is a product that suits it perfectly. First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 private suites, with seats that convert to fully-flat beds.

Emirates was also the first airline to introduce two fully-equipped bathrooms in its First Class cabins, including shower facilities. Business Class passengers can relax in seats that convert to fully flat beds up to 79 inches (two metres) long, whilst those travelling in Economy Class can stretch out in seats with a pitch of up to 33 inches.

We are very confident that the decision to introduce the A380 on the Mauritius route will be very popular especially with the luxury travellers. Their flight will be even more pleasant as in Dubai they will depart or transit through the Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft.

Finally, the new terminal of the SSR International Airport is now operational, so it is easier to accommodate the passengers of the A380 on a daily basis.

BUSINESSMAG. Are there opportunities for Mauritians with Emirates?

Emirates is an employer of choice, and more than 240 Mauritians are employed by the group. Emirates is a global player, so it is a great opportunity for them to grow. Mauritians do well with Emirates as they are hard-workers, team players and are bilingual. We must remember that Dubai is just around six hours away and represents a world of possibilities in terms of business opportunities.