The New Nation - Internet Edition

Business Desk

Emirates Airline has flown beyond a new technological frontier by turning on 76 different websites across six continents simultaneously, in a co-coordinated re-launch of its website www.emirates.com.

The new look website, providing a gateway to 76 country sites in 10 different languages came to life in an ambitious overnight launch.

Emirates.com uses the latest Internet and e-commerce technology and provides passengers with more features and options when making their travel arrangements online.

Well before passengers board an Emirates' aircraft, they can now key in their route, find out what aircraft they are flying on, what entertainment they can enjoy whilst onboard, explore virtual tours of the in-flight products and even watch trailers of Hollywood blockbusters they can expect to see during the flight.

One of the major advantages of the new site is the flight search and pricing system. Rather than just being presented with one price for a preferred time, passengers will be shown seat availability and prices for seven days either side of their requested travel date.

This will give customers more opportunities to benefit from cheaper fares that may be available.

Online customers can purchase tickets, confirm a booking, check-in online and choose their preferred seat. The booking process has been simplified, underlining the ease, flexibility and passenger-led nature of the new system. With the airline's Internet sales doubling year on year, Emirates is again moving to meet its customers' online appetite.

Ghaith AI Ghaith, Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: "Emirates' Internet sales are rapidly increasing and the new website extends our global reach, giving us greater opportunities for revenue generation. Over the next five years, I anticipate that the number of new and existing customers booking flights through our website will increase dramatically.

In recreating the site, we have handed much more control to our customers and allowed them to feel the Emirates experience from their homes, offices and hotels, long before they board one of our modern aircraft."