Emirates airline is increasing its commitment to China by starting a new service from Dubai to Yinchuan and Zhengzhou, two rapidly developing cities in Midwest China. This addition brings Emirates’ total destinations in mainland China to five, including existing service to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Source; Emirates. Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along with other company executives and a delegation of UAE business leaders, were on the inaugural flight. The flight crew of 14 included Chinese cabin crew members. A traditional water cannon salute, often used to mark an inaugural flight, welcomed the aircraft in both Yinchuan and Zhengzhou.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum remarked that the new route will offer travelers in these cities efficient connections to destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe through Dubai. He believes these new air links will also encourage trade and tourism in central and western China, where these cities are located. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support received from government and airport authorities.

As China strengthens its connections with the Western world through its “Belt and Road Initiative,” Dubai is strategically positioned to support China in realizing shared benefits from this initiative, including enhanced cooperation and exchange. Positioned as a central link between east and west, Dubai serves as the biggest import-export hub in the Middle East, connecting global markets through strong governance, vast trade networks, and global connectivity.

Emirates has played a significant role in this growth, being the first airline to offer non-stop flights between the Middle East and mainland China. This began with cargo flights to Shanghai in 2002, followed by passenger services in 2004. Currently, Emirates serves 54 cities across 30 of the 65 countries included in the Belt and Road Initiative, putting it in a unique position to support China’s expanding trade and investment connections with these nations.

Utilizing a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, Emirates will offer enhanced options, flexibility, and convenience for travel to and from China, with the highest standard of service. Notably, the airline’s Private Suites for First Class passengers on the Yinchuan and Zhengzhou route will be the first of their kind in these markets.

Addressing the specific needs of the Chinese market, Emirates’ flights to and from China include Mandarin-speaking cabin crew and in-flight dining options featuring well-liked Chinese dishes. Passengers in all cabin classes can enjoy the “ice” Digital Widescreen entertainment system, offering over 2,500 channels of on-demand movies, TV shows, music, games, and Mandarin language content. Wi-Fi is also available, with 10MB of complimentary data or 500MB for US$1. Passengers can also take advantage of Emirates’ baggage allowance: 30kg for Economy Class, 40kg for Business Class, and 50kg for First Class.

From a cargo standpoint, the 777-200LR provides 14 tonnes of capacity. Electronics like mobile phones from Zhengzhou and agricultural products like goji berries and cashmere from Yinchuan are expected to be commonly transported goods.

Intrigued?

Emirates flights to Yinchuan and Zhengzhou (EK326) will depart from Dubai on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2:50 am, arriving at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport at 1:35 pm. The service will then leave Yinchuan at 3:35 pm and land at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport at 5:15 pm. The return flight (EK327) will depart Zhengzhou at 9:15 pm, arriving in Yinchuan at 11:00 pm, before leaving Yinchuan at 12:40 am and arriving in Dubai at 4:30 am local time the next day.

Interested?

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Emirates’ western China ambitions