Airberlin flies thrice-weekly from Dubai to its hub Berlin with connecting flights to points all over Europe. All flights are operated with state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft in a two class configuration with Business and Economy Class. Further information airberlin can be obtained at 04-3966969 or airberlin.dxbres@oasistravel.ae and on airberlin.com/uae.

Emirates airline has introduced yet another initiative to simplify travel with the launch of ‘Purchase your UAE visa online’. Emirates is the only airline in the Middle East to offer this complete online visa solution to its passengers visiting its hub – Dubai, UAE – for business or leisure.

The feature – an extension of the online flight booking process on www.emirates.com – can be accessed by valid Emirates ticket holders from 35 select countries. Only 30-day and 96-hour visit visas to Dubai, UAE are available through the new feature, subject to all pre-requisites being met. The pre-requisites are defined by Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) as it takes the decision to grant the visa. (www.dnrd.gov.ae ).

A 96-hour visa will cost US$ 44 while a 30-day visa will cost US$ 57. Service fees are applied separately.

Visas are delivered via email within four international working days. Passengers can continually track the status of their applications via www.emirates.com

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide noted: “Advancements in aviation are often related to simplifications in the travel process. I’m delighted Emirates is advancing travel convenience by allowing its customers to apply, purchase and track their UAE visa online – another initiative in a series of self-service tools that offer more convenience, flexibility and control to passengers. Taking place from the comfort of one’s home, office or hotel, it requires none of the running around often associated with submitting forms, securing approvals and collecting visas.

“It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Dubai and its tourism industry. The timely introduction of this feature ahead of the summer rush will facilitate travel for scores of tourists visiting the emirate during the Dubai Summer Surprises.”

Groups and families stand to gain significantly as the feature accepts multiple requests of up to nine people as long as they are on the same booking. It is available to Emirates ticket holders regardless of whether the booking is facilitated via www.emirates.com, an Emirates office or a travel agent.

In its initial phase the facility is being rolled out in 35 countries* in the Far East, Indian sub-continent, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. In the second phase, due to roll out in the coming weeks, offline markets will be targeted. These comprise countries that do not have Emirates services, but which connect to nearby gateways of the Dubai-based airline.

Passengers click ‘Manage Your Booking’ on www.emirates.com and proceed with seven simple steps to complete the transaction. Passengers have the flexibility to request visas at the time of or after the flight booking has been completed.

Emirates has partnered with VFS Global to introduce this feature. VFS Global – a part of Switzerland-based Kuoni Travel Group – is a specialist partner for diplomatic missions worldwide, processing over 7 million (contracted) visa applications per year. It operates the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) in 11 countries. DVPC does not process work visas.

The package costs AED 2500 per person and includes:

• Pearl Flights
• Dinner for 2 at La Traviata
• Bottle of House wine

The offer is valid throughout February. For further details contact Seawings.

Ramadan Sunset Special

Flight from Dubai Creek to Jebel Ali Hotel including iftar dinner at Jebel Ali Hotel.
Flight time: 18:00 departure from Dubai creek.
Flight duration: 30 mins dock to dock.
Price: 1,125/AED per person

Ramadan Afternoon Special

Flight from Dubai Creek to Dubai Creek including iftar dinner at Park Hyatt Dubai
Flight time: 17:00 Departure from Dubai creek.
Flight duration: 40 mins dock to dock.
Price: 1,225/AED per person

To book visit seawings.ae.

Note: Dubai Online is currently offering readers 10% discount on standard Seawings packages.

Dubai based Seawings LLC, the only seaplane tour operator in the Middle East, has announced that due to growing demand, they will now start flights to and from the Emirate of Fujairah on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Located on the Indian Ocean at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the Emirate of Fujairah is known for its phenomenal wreck dives, plentiful coral reefs and abundant marine life.

The forty five minute ‘dock to dock’ flight provides views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks including the Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, Historic Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City, The Hajar Mountains, Dibba Coast and historic Fujairah before landing on the East coast of the UAE.

Seawings passengers get to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs, majestic mountains and brilliant beaches in a fraction of the time and in a way that many people would never experience.

Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings said, ‘Considering the enormous potential in the east coast and with the tremendous growth in the tourism, we have been working hard to ensure that Seawings is conveniently located and offers customers a range of benefits within our product offering. By opening this new location, we look forward to catering to the demands of a larger segment of individuals and groups. Our passengers can explore the marvels and history of the UAE in a unique and convenient way without wasting time and energy on road travel. We will keep on offering new services and adding new tour options based on the customer requirements.’

Seawings - flights from Fujairah

All passengers travelling after May 4 2009 can now travel with an extra 10 kg of luggage.

The move means that the free baggage allowances are now:

• Economy Class – 30 kg
• Business Class – 40 kg
• First Class – 50 kg

Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Revenue Optimisation, said ‘Emirates has moved to these new free baggage levels to further demonstrate our commitment to putting the passenger first. By offering travellers the flexibility to carry significantly more baggage we will be allowing them to take more gifts for family and friends or take advantage of the outstanding shopping in Dubai and across the extensive network of Emirates destinations.’

From June 1 2009 the super-jumbos will be switched to the Dubai-Toronto and the Dubai-Bangkok services. New York will now be served by the smaller Boeing B777-300ER.

The change has been brought about by a drop in demand on the New York route.

The airline says the move has been prompted by lower fuel prices.

Passengers are requested to check in 2 hours before their scheduled departure time and be at the boarding gate 35 minutes before their flight departs. Passengers will be advised of the new 15 minute gate closure policy at check in.

Mohammed H Mattar, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Airport Services said, ‘Emirates is implementing the 15-minute before departure gate closure in consideration of our customers who arrive on time for their flights. The new policy will allow aircraft to take off as scheduled as it takes about 15 minutes to locate and off-load the baggage of missing or late customers.’