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Since the current deal between the UAE and Australia allow the phased growth of Emirates’ services ends next year, negotiations on a new air services agreement between the two countries are expected to begin soon. Emirates already seems to have started a drive to boost flights to Australia. At present the Dubai carrier operates 70 flights a week frequency to Australia (up from 49 in 2007), which is due to grow to a 84-flights ceiling by the time the current agreement expires. Its Australian destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

"Australia has been generous to Emirates and we have reciprocated more than 14 years with very significant Australian investments and tourism promotion. We seek long-term moderate growth that is in Australia’s national interests," Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ Senior Vice-President Commercial Operations for the Far East and Australasia, told Emirates Business. He added: "The Australian air services negotiation model is one of the best in the world, respecting investment, ensuring only commercial and rational airlines are rewarded, and promoting competition."

Emirates commanded eight per cent of the international market to or from Australia at the end of 2009, according to a report published by The Australian. It added Emirates is calling for the continuation of a policy that allowed capacity from Dubai to be treated separately from other regional carriers. While the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways currently operates flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Qatar Airways is due to launch services to Sydney sometime this year. The Doha carrier already operates flights to Melbourne.

source: Emirates Business