Emirates confident in Zagreb route potential


Emirates has said it sees its Dubai - Zagreb service developing in the future and is monitoring the performance of other airports in the country, particularly Dubrovnik. The airline’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations in Europe, Thierry Aucoc, said, “We decided to launch Zagreb a bit more than two years ago and it is corresponding with our development in Europe. We have a wide coverage in Europe, and we understood that Croatia has big potential for two reasons. First, it is a destination that is really interesting for travel from Asia, Australia, China and Taiwan. Therefore, there is a lot of incoming traffic to Zagreb and the entire country in general. From Croatia it is a way to offer the local population a link to our Dubai hub. There is a lot of demand from Croatia to the world. This is primarily to Dubai but also beyond, for example, to destinations in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, such as Phuket in Thailand”.

Mr Aucoc said that Croatia still has “good potential” for future route development and “fits extremely well within our network”. He added, “I was checking the results of airports in Croatia and I was amazed to see that many have double digit growth. I noticed that Zagreb is now at 3.5 million passengers per year, which is a very good result. We are monitoring other airports in the country too. We are closely following the performance in Dubrovnik because we are offering seasonal flights to this city through Flydubai”. The Senior Vice President noted that 258 Croatian nationals work at Emirates. Of those, 210 are cabin crew, while sixteen are pilots, three of which command the Airbus A380 superjumbos.

Emirates recently completed its seasonal operations to Zagreb for 2019 with the route taken over by Flydubai during the winter months. Zagreb was the first example of Emirates’ and Flydubai’s new route-sharing strategy, with Yangon joining its ranks this year. "Zagreb is an example of how much our cooperation with Flydubai managed to improve our results. We served the route in winter with our Boeing 777 aircraft. Then last year, the route was maintained for five months by Flydubai aircraft. This winter, Flydubai will operate for the entire winter season because it emerged that this route is not as strong in winter, so we can still continue serving Zagreb well”, Emirates’ Area Manager, Martin Gross, said recently. This winter season, Flydubai will maintain four weekly flights to the Croatian capital (with exception to the first two weeks of the winter schedule), down from daily last year. "Zagreb was operated with Boeing 737 MAX equipment but had to be moved to the B737-800. Therefore, the entire flight plan had to change and has been partially reduced. Now we have to see when the B737 MAX is allowed to fly again", Mr Gross added.




Comments

  1. Anonymous09:02

    'I noticed that Zagreb is now at 3.5 million passengers per year, which is a very good result.'

    Many on here would disagree with him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:26

      Obviously he was not telling the truth.
      It would not be the first time
      https://www.exyuaviation.com/2016/11/emirates-no-plans-for-ex-yu-flights.html

      Delete
  2. Eto 3x7 u DBV od sljedece sezone

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous09:03

    Seems like EK is in it for the long haul in ZAG. Puts LJU's dreams of getting EK to an end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:11

      Maybe not EK but Flydubai is a possibility.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:20

      EK won't be expanding in ex-Yu in terms of flying with its own metal.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:14

      LJU would eat into their ZAG loads. I think there is most chance to see Qatar or Air Arabia in LJU.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:18

      +1 last anon.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:21

      DIstance and size of the Slovenian market make it difficult for any Gulf flights to start to LJU. Narrow bodies can hardly reach LJU, and the size of the market is much smaller than Zagreb.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous12:53

      QR flies to Pisa regularly with an A320 and sometimes flights to Prague are also with A320

      Delete
  4. Anonymous09:03

    EK obviously does well in Zagreb during summer but not so much in winter. It's good there is this route sharing system so Dubai can be kept year round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:07

      Problem in winter among other things is double daily QR flights.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:16

      I think this is actually a really smart move by EK/FZ and I hope we see more destinations in ex-Yu shared like this between the two airlines.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:19

      I'm happy to see them continuing the same arrangement as last year. I thought FZ wouldn't return at all and EK would keep it seasonal.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:29

      Ex-Yu candidates for EK/FZ combination are BEG and SJJ

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:49

      SJJ doesn't have enough apron space to handle a B777 and other aircraft at the same time.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:12

      I don't get that they are still not flying to places like SOF or OTP either.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:16

      OTP and SOF do not have "udruzeno oglasavanje" fund

      Delete
    8. Anonymous10:18

      Actually there is a lot more competition on flights to Gulf from OTP and SOF.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous10:19

      Places like SOF or OTP have minimal demand for business class. EK aircraft are premium heavy so it doesn't make much sense to fly them just for economy class passengers.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous10:28

      OTP with 13,8 mil passengers has less demand for business class than ZAG with tiny 3,3 mil?

      Funny

      Delete
    11. Anonymous10:34

      DBV is next, seasonally, they won't have problems filling the planes there!

      Delete
    12. Anonymous10:36

      Anon at 10:28
      Yes it clearly has smaller premium demand than ZAG. OTP (like ZAG) does not have a large business community. But ZAG has great demand from Asia and Australia by wealthy tourists. Romania doesn't. Also Romanian diaspora in Australia is minimal unlike Croatia. Same goes for Bulgaria.
      So OTP being full with Romanian gastos travelling to western Europe does not mean that it also has large premium demand to Dubai.

      Delete
    13. Anonymous10:47

      Dude, OTP has way more premium demand but most of it flies via IST on TK which upgraded the route to A333! EK would have to fight them big time which they don't want to do. Also, speaking of demand, two airports can't be compared. OTP grew by 7% this year while ZAG is starting to stagnate.

      Delete
    14. Anonymous10:56

      Nobody compared airport sizes! We are talking about EK not launching OTP and the reasons for it. Try to stay on topic.

      Delete
    15. Anonymous11:02

      I am very much on topic but you are selectively writing arguments. Some are even hilarious like OTP having same premium demand like ZAG. LOL

      This winter IST-OTP will have 3 daily on TK where some flights are operated by A333. On the other hand you have 10 weekly IST-ZAG with A319/320. You see the difference and why it's easier for QR and FZ/EK to survive in ZAG compared to OTP?

      Delete
    16. Anonymous11:10

      Anon at 11:02
      Do try to stay on topic. We are talking about demand for EK flights between ZAG and OTP to DXB, not IST. TK is a different airline than EK.
      And that is why despite TK serving both ZAG and OTP long before EK considered flying to them the Emiratis chose to start flights to ZAG but not OTP. Sorry if you find that upsetting but you might want to write them a letter and explain to them the mistake in their strategy!

      Delete
    17. Anonymous11:22

      Aha so all of a sudden TK is a different airline because it doesn't suit your argument? They chose ZAG because of initial subsidies, that's why the first year they flew in winter. OTP doesn't have EK because it has much more competition that ZAG does, TK has consolidated its position there.

      Just because you want something to be off topic doesn't mean it is.

      Delete
    18. Anonymous11:23

      Oh and you might want to compare FZ winter timetable of OTP and ZAG. ;)

      Delete
    19. Anonymous11:32

      If you are losing an argument try not to change it.
      We are comparing ZAG and OTP and the reasons EK chose to fly to only one of them.
      I understand that you are frustrated about it for some reason but TK and the Turkish market has nothing to do with it. EK made the decision that ZAG can support their premium offering while OTP will have to do with FZ.
      As I already told you you can ask EK for some clarification about their strategic thinking. I am sure they would love to listen from you!

      Delete
    20. Anonymous11:38

      Yes, EK chose ZAG over OTP because premium demand out of OTP is served by other airlines. You are basing your argument that just because EK chose ZAG it has more premium demand than OTP which is hilarious. They don't have to listen to me, they are already experiencing it on their own skin, first with year-round flights to ZAG and then with an overambitious schedule with FZ. And yes, TK and the Turkish market have everything to do with this story because they are after teh same market as EK/FZ. That's a fact you want to ignore just because TK has barely 10 weekly to ZAG in winter.

      Finally the fact you are putting ZAG and OTP in the same basket is hilarious since OTP is 4.5 times the size of ZAG.

      Delete
    21. Anonymous12:03

      I knew that EK choosing to fly to ZAG out of all the exyu cities made some people upset but WOW dude!
      As I explained to you OTP is an overwhelmingly gasto airport. EK can serve that destination with FZ. ZAG and Croatia during the high season has a lot of premium demand so an 777-300ER with large first and business cabins makes sense. A lot of wealthy Asians, Middle Easterners and Australians are visiting Croatia and their numbers are only getting bigger. Try to deal with it.
      EK made the choice to serve them. You can write them a letter though and explain them their mistake.

      Delete
    22. Anonymous14:19

      And what happened after you woke up?

      Delete
    23. Anonymous15:09

      EK kept flying to ZAG and to no other city in Exyu, Romania or Bulgaria.
      And you kept getting upset about it!

      Delete
    24. I don't understand why would demand from Asia be "premium demand", either at OTP or ZAG..what are you people talking about?
      And is it true that TK is downgrading equipment to ZAG? When will that happen? I mean, the winter season has already begun and they're still operating A321 and B737.

      Delete
    25. Anonymous16:23

      I don't understand it either Michael.

      It seems that in ZAG they think EK is some kind of status symbol.

      They also fly to Kabul, Harare and Khartoum - all of these cities are known to have very strong "premium demand" to DXB! :-)))

      And, yes wealthy Asians are crazy about spending vacations on the places like Kabul.

      Hilarious!

      Delete
    26. Anonymous11:02

      I'm glad we have EK in ZAG, hope they're here to stay, at least seasonally. Interesting that they are mentioning Dubrovnik, coincidence? Don't think so!

      Delete
  5. Anonymous09:04

    Good! It would be nice to see DBV with Emirates during summer! I think there's a lot potential there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:05

      That would be nice. American and Emirates at DBV :)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:40

      Delta will be next!
      Qatar airways even. It flies to places like Larnaca, Mykonos and Málaga so DBV makes perfect sense as a destination for wealthy tourists.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:47

      Are you seriously comparing LCA to DBV?!?! LOL

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:57

      Yes I am comparing wealthy tourist destinations like Larnaca, Mykonos and Málaga to Dubrovnik.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:03

      LCA has outboud and year-round demand, DBV doesn't. DBV is a seasonal airport like Mykonos just that Mykonos is way more premium and more well known in the world. It's a global brand just like Greece is.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:17

      Anon 11:03, Dubrovnik is not as famous as Mykonos, but it's a global brand!

      Delete
    7. Anonymous11:34

      Larnaca, Mykonos, Malaga and Dubrovnik attract the same type of wealthy tourists from the Middle East, Asia and Australia. So it makes sense for QR to serve the Dalmatian coast.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous11:40

      Malaga has 19 million, LCA 8 million while DBV had 2.5 million.
      lol

      Delete
    9. Anonymous11:48

      Mykonos has only 1,4 million pax yet QR is flying there. Sorry if that is upsetting you. ;)

      Delete
    10. Anonymous16:28

      Yes Dubrovnik is the most prime destination in the world especially in November when it has 25.000 passengers. Some people on here really need to reconnect with reality.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous07:14

      Kucko is launching Bahrain-Mykonos flights. Strange he overlooked Dubrovnik...

      Delete
  6. Anonymous09:05

    Maybe eventually ZAG could become a stop to a North American destination for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:06

      Why when they are full to Zagreb in summer?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:06

      They will get better results if they stop by in SKP compared to ZAG to USA :)

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:11

      Why so many people dream of Emirates stop on route to US?
      as far as I knowmthey omly have it in Milan.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:12

      Athens has it too. Dubai-Athens-Newark.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:13

      Although it's not to North America, they are also starting Dubai-Barcelona-Mexico City. Next month I think.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:34

      EK Emirates talks about
      Dubai-Pristina-New York for summer season! good idea

      Delete
    7. Anonymous09:36

      Yeah sure they do. Look it's one thing to have dreams. It's another to claim and present your personal dreams as reality and fact.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous09:37

      He was ironically speaking.

      Actually joking about people who dream that EK might have stop in ZAG on the way to US

      Delete
    9. Anonymous09:42

      Even that is a more realistic dream.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous09:43

      Based on what?

      Delete
    11. Anonymous09:47

      Based on the fact that EK is already actually flying to Zagreb and Croatia has an open sky agreement with US which in theory allows Emirates to start flights to the US via Zagreb, unlike Pristina. Not that I think it will happen.

      Delete
    12. Anonymous09:48

      Understood. Thanks

      Delete
    13. Anonymous10:16

      You never know for the future, EK keep going forward good ideas for the future in whole Balkan

      Delete
    14. Anonymous10:41

      Milan and Athens have massive demand for flights to North America. ExYu countries not so much.
      I don't see EK using any ExYu city as a stop over to the US.

      Delete
    15. Anonymous10:49

      Last year 400.000 people flew from Athens to New York alone, that's 11.5% of the total traffic ZAG handles per year. Just to put things into perspective.

      Delete
    16. Anonymous11:00

      Anonymous 5 November 2019 at 10:49
      +1
      And those were probably only those that flew direct. Imagine adding all the indirect travelers who went there via LHR, ZRH, FRA, MUC, AMS, CDG etc.
      Same thing for Milan. So some people should stop comparing apples and oranges.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous09:09

    I have a feeling that in summer on top of being full they have very good sales in premium but winter seems to be generally a problem in Zagreb and the airport has to address this. We see this with the example of Emirates but also Korean Air.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:12

      I'm sure DBV is their next destination, at least seasonally! DBV saw an increase of 22,67% in October!

      Delete
  8. Anonymous09:09

    I was hoping they would go back to year round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:10

      There is simply no need for a big B777 in winter.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:21

      Correct, 354 seat airplane during Winter is overkill.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:06

      Exactly.

      But there is a good chance they will make ZAG year round again once the ordered A330s are re-introduced (first ones due to arrive from 2021)

      Delete
  9. Anonymous09:11

    Is there any chance Flydubai may include Split in its network in the future?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:15

      I hope so. Flydubai should really consider starting Split as well seasonally during the summer.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous09:12

    I can actually see them flying to Dubrovnik during peak summer months. As for Zagreb, I am afraid starting Dubrovnik might decrease Zagreb to FlyDubai all year round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:23

      Wouldn't it be better to keep FZ but get them to fly year round or extend their season?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:29

      Emirates are not expected to be next at Dubrovnik. Air Transat was mentioned as more likely. Last month they planned to announce details of 2020 summer program “shortly” but it didn't happen yet.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:36

      For Air Transat it was mentioned that they were intersted, which they certainly were as I heard this same info from other people too. But they won't be coming to DBV. Air Transat announced its summer program last week, you can read their press release.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous16:54

      YUL-CPH was announced on Oct 1, eight days before TS article on this blog. Other than new Faro 1pw service, there was expectation SPU or DBV could be announced too for 2020.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:57

      As I said they published their summer timetable. Perhaps the talks were unsuccessful.
      https://ca.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/transat-summer-2020-program-new-europe-spots-and-more-usa.html

      Delete
    6. Dvajs maraka da Emirates na ljeto stize u DBV a FlyDubai u SPU ili ZAD.
      ZAG ostaje kakav je.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous06:51

      Depends if they get good slots in SPU but that makes more sense than EK as they don't have ramp space for a widebody. At least Split is being realistic, that's why they are thriving.

      Delete
    8. Nije stvar stajanke na SPU vec duljine piste

      Delete
  11. Anonymous09:15

    It seems routes to "Indian ocean" destinations are most popular on EK from ex-yu in general. I remember FZ said places like Maldives and Thailand also perform best for them from BEG too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:17

      Well it makes sense that most people flying with them will be heading east.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous09:17

    Does anyone know how many passengers EK handled to/from ZAG this year or last year?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous09:25

    For a route that they say is performing so well, they are doing a lot of convincing in the media that it is performing well. On the other hand they first make route seasonal one year then they decrease Flydubai flights in winter the next. MAX grounding is a lame excuse seeing other destinations in the region are being kept with the same frequency or are increased.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:30

      +1

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:16

      They'd also talk positively about any route they operate, I am sure, once media asks them to comment on a certain route.

      I have never heard an airline official saying a the opposite.

      Delete
  14. Anonymous09:28

    They surely have very bad results during the winter as they decreased ZAG from 7pw to 4pw.

    Maybe we shall see in this case withdrawal from ZAG during winter the same as KE did

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:18

      Mr Gross commented this is because of 737 MAX outage. Although some other MAX routes were not reduced, but ZAG was (partially logical however due to long sector length).

      Delete
  15. Anonymous09:28

    What are their fares like vs Qatar Airways and Turkish on long haul flights in winter from ZAG? Are they competative?

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous09:29

    Flydubai will get a nice boost this winter thanks to Korean Air withdrawal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:32

      The executive doesn't even list Korean market as main source of transfer passengers. He says China and Taiwan.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:32

      He says Asia in general.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:35

      Korean market is surely one of the top contributors on these flights.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:50

      LO is killing it from BUD to ICN. That's the newest entry point for Koreans to the region. Passengers most likely switched to that flights.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:19

      Well LO is dumping like crazy from BUD - so no surprise.
      And KE is always very expensive to ZAG.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous09:30

    We will see how they do in the future. I'm really glad they are flying to ZAG. Nonstop flights from China to Zagreb (if they happen) could have some impact on them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous09:34

    Once EK gets the A330-900 neo in 2021, they will probably take back the Zagreb route in winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:37

      Haven't those been delayed?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:38

      The current Emirates fleet is so inflexible. I can't believe the airline brought itself to have only A380s and B777s. Better planning was needed. They are very lucky thr sheikh created Flydubai to help.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:39

      Why would they if even B738 is too big for 7pw during the winter?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:59

      Don't see the obsession of needing to have EK with B777 or widebody in winter. It is far better having more flights than 2 or 3 weekly widebodies. Much more convenient for passengers.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:22

      EK has not ordered the A330-900.
      It only has 150 777X on order and is trying to switch some or even half of them to 787s but Boeing is playing hard to get.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:24

      Wow then I completely mixed something up. I was sure they made an order for A330-900s.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:52

      Anon at 10:24
      Not to worry. They announced at the beginning of the year that they will order 30 of them as well as 40 A350s as part of an agreement with Airbus to cancel the rest of their A380s but it was never shined.
      it might happen in the future of course.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous10:21

      @ Anon 5 Nov 10:22
      ???

      EK has officially ordered 40 A330s directly at Airbus. Here is the link:

      https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/02/airbus-and-emirates-reach-agreement-on-a380-fleet--sign-new-widebody-orders.html#media-list-image-image-all_ml_0-1

      Delete
  19. Anonymous09:40

    Interestingly EK arrival in Zagreb had no major impact on their competition at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:41

      Qatar actually introduced second daily flight after EK came.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:42

      Or better to say...The competition caused

      - EK to stop flying during winter
      - FZ to reduce ZAG

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:43

      @9.40
      That's not true. Turkish decreased frequencies in winter since EK came and who knows maybe Qatar would have been using A330s to ZAG by now.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:44

      And maybe Korean Air would be flying for whole wi ter :)

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:45

      With A380!

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:48

      Overall they had far less of an impact on competition then I personally thought.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous09:57

      Maybe because there is a market for everyone...

      Delete
    8. Anonymous10:24

      QR does not really care for RASK and profit margins so they fly as often as their fleet allows them.
      The Emir will cover the losses.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous10:51

      A lot of QR A321s to ZAG were downgraded to A320 since EK launched flights.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous09:51

    Would be interesting to compare Zagreb route development with other destinations they fly to in the region. That is how frequencies and capacity developed over time and how long did it take.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:56

      What other routes do they have in the region other tham ZAG??

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:04

      Budapest, Prague, Venice...

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:15

      BUD and PRG started off as daily with A330.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:22

      EK had an advantage back then since it had much more suitable aircraft.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous09:56

    EK and Fly dubai will be merged sooner or later. Problem of ex-Yu market would be solved that way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:59

      Highly doubt it!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:03

      The current arrangement suits them perfectly.

      Delete
  22. Anonymous10:05

    I think Emirates was aware that they would take a hit on the route in winter, and that will happen during the first few years before the route builds up and can generate money year round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:06

      I don't think they foresaw it since they flew first winter with their own equipment and scheduled it as daily before decreasing it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:07

      They flew first winter because you get discount from the airport if you manage to fly whole first year (summer and winter).

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:08

      But it is true that they initially planned daily in winter and then decreased it.

      Delete
  23. Anonymous10:25

    Wonder what the Indian Ocean destinations are.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:47

      Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:51

      Not sure for other markets but tour agencies from Serbia are selling Zanzibar like crazy and it's not expensive at all. From what I see they mostly use FZ for these tours.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous11:02

    I'm glad to see Emirates is sticking to this route and believes in it :) good luck in the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous20:32

      I want to believe.

      https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71U9iDvwjIL._SY606_.jpg

      Delete
  25. Anonymous11:08

    And Croatia Airlines still hasn't seeked a codeshare with EK?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:19

      They have an SPA with EK for domestic routes.

      Delete
    2. It's too early LOL

      Delete
  26. Anonymous16:59

    Bravo Croatia!

    ReplyDelete

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