[IMG=20866-6665] Emirates Airlines has increased rates for flights to all destinations, Russian Emirates Internet site says. However, experts point out that the inconsiderable change – 26$, will not affect the cost of tour packages to the UAE for Russian tourists. Moreover, flights to the destination in winter are operated by many other airlines. As for charter flights they are still being negotiated by tour operators but it is clear by now that a air traffic volume will increase by 400-500 seats per week. Sergey Pleshakov, Commercial Director of Art-tour, said: ‘flights will be operated by more capacious aircraft’. Thus, Transaero will change its Boeing – 767 for Boeing – 747. S7 Airlines will operate flights to the UAE by IL-86 instead of TU-154. ‘In the pre – season agiotage tour operators plan many flights, but a number will most probably reduced’, said Pleshakov. Scheduled flights follow the example of charters increasing air traffic volume. For example, Pakistan Airlines will fly by Boeing – 777 instead of A – 310.
Meanwhile, Taras Kobischanov, General Director of Russian Express, commented as follows: ‘Excess of flights at the beginning of the season is inevitable. It is too early to make further forecasts owing the increase of rates in hotels in Emirates. Last year was marked with increase of accommodation prices in Dubai that engendered a bigger tourist flow to Sharjah. Inspired by high demand for the emirate local hoteliers has increased prices for 30-40%. Dubai is 10-15% more expensive that last year rates. How will tourists react? Will chose Dubai? Or will prefer well-promoted Sharjah? Or will incline their preferences towards less expensive destinations – Thailand, Egypt?’.
Furthermore, Olga Voikina, Directour of Tour Department of Reg Tour, said: ‘Emirates will be in demand. You can’t compare them to Egypt, for example. However, 2006 is the last year when hoteliers can increase prices. In 2007 hotels on Palm Islands will be open that will stabilize increase in accommodation rates’.
