The Dubai-based airline will introduce flights to Seychelles, Seoul, Hamburg and Geneva expanding its global network to 81 destinations by the end of 2005. This was disclosed at a press meet yesterday in Dhaka attended by Emirates' Sales Manager-Bangladesh Kazi Zahurul Qyyum.

The airline has achieved record six month net profit between April 1 to September 30 this year. Emirates has earned a net profit of $236 million during the six months, an 41 percent rise from $167 million during corresponding period of 2003.

Strong passenger and cargo demands coupled with better yields helped to offset higher costs due to escalating jet fuel prices.

Flights |o Paris will rise from seven to twelve a week, |o Athens from six to seven, to Seychelles from three to five, daily to Moscow, to Tehran from 17 to 19, to Karachi from 25 to 27, and second daily service to Perth.

As Dubai Shopping Festival begins in January 2005, Emirates offers a package at $592 that includes air ticket, twin share accommodation for three nights, breakfast, airport pickup and transfer.

Emirates' Dhaka office can arrange visa for the passengers availing the package in seven to ten days' notice.

Emirates offers nine non-stop flights a week on Dhaka-Dubai route and four flights on Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur route. Emirates SkyCargo also offers three services a week on Dhaka-Dubai route.