Emirates will advance its existing operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an additional 10 services per week to Riyadh and Jeddah, underscoring the increased economic ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

With a 71 percent increase in operations and a 75 percent increase in overall passenger capacity, the new services will further boost business and leisure trade between the two Arab nations.

From 31st October, Riyadh will receive five additional services per week, taking its weekly service to 12 flights. From 2nd January 2011 Jeddah will receive five additional services, taking its weekly operation to 12.

"The introduction of an additional 3770 seats per week on the two routes will further enhance passenger movement between the two countries. Business and leisure travelers in Saudi seek connectivity to key commercial and leisure centres in Europe, as well as the Americas and Australasia and these new flights will help expedite their journey. Religious based travel to Saudi Arabia also continues to grow exponentially each year, with these additional flights set to add some much needed capacity for inbound traffic," said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Iran.

Underpinning Emirates' continued investment in Saudi Arabia, the airline's expansion programme closely follows its announcement of an increase of services to Al Medinah al Munawarah to a daily service from 31st October 2010.

The additional services to Riyadh will be serviced by an Airbus A330-200 with 12 First Class seats, 42 Business Class seats and 183 economy class seats. Jeddah will benefit from a second A380 service with capacity to seat 517 passengers in a three class configuration.

"The A380 has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Saudi market since it was introduced onto our Jeddah route in February this year. The launch of a second A380, Emirates' flagship aircraft, into Jeddah highlights our commitment to providing travellers in Saudi with the very latest in aircraft innovations," added Khoory.

Emirates remains committed to the Saudi market with a total of 38 flights per week to four cites including; Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Medinah al Munawarah.