“This is a boom for NSW tourism and a vote of confidence by one of the world’s great airlines in the status of NSW as an international destination,” Mr Souris said.

The added service by Emirates follows a trade mission led by Premier Barry O’Farrell to the United Arab Emirates last year during which he met with the airline’s management.

“This service (EK414/15) provides optimal connectivity to the Middle East and Europe, particularly with its 6:00 am departure from Sydney, which is the only service that provides same day connections to all of Europe’s major financial centres”.

Mr Souris said that a recent report by Deloitte estimated that the benefits of an additional A380 between Dubai and Sydney would contribute $342 million to Australia’s economy with $213 million going to New South Wales.

“And importantly, the report estimates that 4,400 jobs would be created as a result of the additional A380 service – 2,800 of those in NSW.

“This extra A380 direct service between Dubai and Sydney is also important to the growth of Emirates partnership with Qantas and the added capacity this brings to NSW enhances the Government’s strategy of boosting the State’s economy through tourism,” Mr Souris said.

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