Lagos — The ancient city of Guangzhou, now China's economic powerhouse, will join Emirates' sprawling six-continent non-stop network on 1st July.

Slated to play an important role in the 100-plus destinations on Emirates' route map, Guangzhou (IATA code: CAN) will be Emirates' fourth gateway in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, spoke about the rationale of launching services into the city: "Guangzhou is a vital link in our strategic plans for both China and the Asia-Pacific region. The city has been on our radar for some time as it is the heartbeat of the Guangdong Province and hums with its political, socio-economic, scientific, educational and cultural life. Guangzhou serves as an air travel hub for Guangdong and the South China provinces, which significantly expands our span and reach.

"The Emirates Group is no stranger to Guangzhou, as through our subsidiary in Singapore, Changi International Airport Services, we hold a 20 per cent stake in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Handling Co., which provides ground handling services at the airport."

Starting 1st July, Emirates' EK362 will fly non-stop to Guangzhou four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with an Airbus A330-200 in a two class configuration - 27 seats in Business and 251 in Economy. Beginning 1st October, Emirates will also fly the route on Fridays.

From 1st December the airline will fly daily to Guangzhou with an A340-300 aircraft in a three-class configuration - 12 seats in First, 42 in Business and 213 in Economy - on six days, and an A330-200 on the seventh in a three-class configuration - 12 in First, 42 in Business and 183 in Economy.

EK362 will take-off from Dubai at 10:35 hours and arrive in Guangzhou at 22:20 hours, turning around at 23:55 hours to arrive in Dubai at 03:40 hours, next day.

Emirates' services to Guangzhou will conveniently connect travellers from Europe, particularly those from UK, France, Germany and Switzerland, and American cities New York and Houston. Travellers from Africa and the Middle East, particularly Cape Town, Lagos, Cairo, Amman, Kuwait, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Beirut, are also well-served with a four to seven hour connection in Dubai.

Guangzhou is the third largest air travel hub in China and the capital of the Guangdong province, taking economic centre stage in the Pearl River Delta industrial zone. Earning the moniker "factory of the world", Guangdong province has the largest GDP and the highest value of exports, attracting a high percentage of foreign direct investments and nearly 200 Fortune 500 companies. The Canton Fair held twice every year entices entrepreneurs and executives from around the world.

But Guangzhou is not just about industry and manufacturing. The city attracts large contingents of visitors to its historical sites that include 123 state-protected sites, street shopping and its ever-popular Cantonese cuisine. The city will host the 2010 Asian games.

Cargo is an integral part of Emirates' overall strategy for every destination and Guangzhou is no different. In 2006, trade between Guangzhou and UAE touched US$2.9 billion, with textiles, shoes, medicines, machinery, equipments, and metals all being part of the commodity mix. Emirates SkyCargo's range of solutions and 13- to 15-tonne capacity is expected to up the ante on the existing trade ties between Guangzhou and the UAE as well as the rest of the airline's network.

Meanwhile, Emirates has continued to develop innovative services for its customers with the recent launch of The Emirates High Street, an extraordinary shopping experience.

Skywards, Emirates' frequent flyer programme, emphasizes its commitment to both its members and Emirates' growing global family of customers with an inspirational, one-of-a-kind luxury catalogue which brings customers a range of world-class products directly to their doorstep. The catalogue is now available onboard all Emirates' flights.

"At Emirates, we are attuned to the needs of our most discerning and loyal customers. It is with this special group in mind that we have developed The Emirates High Street. We are confident that The Emirates High Street will provide an innovative and unique shopping experience not seen before in catalogue shopping," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

With over 200 products the Emirates High Street offers an exquisite collection of designer brands and experiences that make this a unique proposition in the airline industry. With everything from iPods to your own private concert with a Sony BMG artist, there is something in this catalogue for everyone.

The Emirates High Street provides delivery to over 60 countries worldwide making this a global alternative for Skywards members who can use cash, Miles or a combination of both to purchase products.

The Emirates High Street collection can be viewed either through the catalogue or online. The dynamic e-commerce website offers customers the ability to search products by category, brand, keyword and price. Each product has a dedicated page with all the details customers need (including size, weight and technical specifications) to make informed choices. There's even an advanced search feature so customers can find exactly what they're looking for using a combination of criteria.

The catalogue has over 150 pages filled with product photography, supported by descriptions, specifications and prices. In addition to being available onboard all Emirates flights, the new offering can be found in lounges and at ticket offices across the network. Copies of the catalogue can also be requested from the website or The Emirates High Street service centres at no cost.