Emirates 'hopeful' of German access

Emirates President Tim Clark announced the airline is always "hopeful" of securing more rights to Germany, after some 12 years of lobbying the German government (Gulf News/Arabian Business, 23-May-2011). The airline wants to launch services to Berlin and Stuttgart, but confirmed Emirates is not in any formal talks with German authorities. The airline currently serves Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Munich and Hamburg in Germany. Mr Clark said that regardless of access to the two additional ports, Emirates will be increasing its presence at other ports, including launching A380 service to Munich from winter 2012.

Emirates: "We have had informal talks with the Germans two to three times a year for the last few years. They don't want to give us the rights. Why? Ask the Germans that … Berlin will be opening its new airport - a huge one - next year and it's a pity they don't want us there. But it is not the end of the world for us." Tim Clark, President. Source: Gulf News, 23-May-2011.