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Dubai makes Angola its latest air link

THE first nonstop Emirates service from Angola's capital Luanda arrived in Dubai early yesterday, amid hopes of expanding business links between the two countries.

THE first nonstop Emirates service from Angola's capital Luanda arrived in Dubai early yesterday, amid hopes of expanding business links between the two countries.

Emirates will operate three flights a week with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, connecting the oil-rich Southern African nation with the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

It hopes to cash in on the number of Asian labourers who work on Angolan construction sites, as well as other expatriates in Angola.

Trade between Angola and Dubai, a big exporter of cars to Angola, reached $800million (R6billion) last year - a growth of 1200percent in just four years.

Angola's Transport Minister Augusto da Silva Tomas said: "An air link between two rapidly developing countries will enhance the growth potential between these nations."

Luanda is Emirates' 18th destination in Africa. Durban was earlier added ahead of the 2010 World Cup. - AFP

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