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Discover the Gulf in Style: Emirates Launches On-Demand Charter Flights

Travelers can now explore the Gulf region in private luxury thanks to Emirates' new service out of Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport

by Fergus Cole

July 12, 2023

Photo: Emirates Flight Training Academy, Embraer Phenom 300. Courtesy of Emirates

Dubai-based airline Emirates has launched an exclusive charter service for short trips across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The new, on-demand service is now open to travelers wishing to explore the region in style and comfort. Flights will depart on request from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and take passengers to some destinations within the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

The UAE flag carrier will use a Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft to operate the charter flights. These small charter jets have a range of 1,178 nautical miles (2,182km) but can only fit up to four passengers, although this is part of the appeal of the highly-exclusive service.

In addition to offering comfort, privacy, and luxury, the charter flights will also provide flexibility to customers, as they will be permitted to fly to GCC area airports outside of Emirates’ traditional network.

Photo: Dubai International Airport, Emirates Airbus A380 / Courtesy of Emirates

With flights based out of Al Maktoum, Dubai’s secondary airport, passengers will also avoid the hassle of traveling through Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of international passenger numbers.

Targeted at VIP tourists and business travelers on a tight schedule, passengers will also have the option of being picked up and transported to Al Maktoum by an Emirates chauffeur, where they will be greeted by a dedicated Emirates representative who will guide them through the terminal quickly and efficiently.

Each passenger will then be allowed to bring one checked bag weighing up to 33 lbs (15kg) and carry-on luggage. Once onboard, passengers will have a wide range of light snacks and beverages, while passengers can also make special requests with their booking representative or travel agent.

Photo: Emirates opens new ‘City Check-In and Travel Store’. Courtesy of Emirates.

Upon arrival at the destination, passengers will once again be escorted through the terminal with an Emirates representative, get VIP clearance through customs and immigration, and have access to any private airport lounges within the terminal, should there be one.

Emirates currently possesses a variety of medium-sized aircraft available for charter, including the accommodating Airbus A319s that can hold up to 19 passengers. However, it should be noted that the regional charter flights operated by Phenom 100 jets are not part of Emirates’ operational fleet but instead are the property of the Emirates Flight Training Academy located at DWC.