Emirates launches 'companion offer'

In a bid to attract more passenger traffic from India, UAE's Emirates airlines on Tuesday announced a special 'companion offer' on their newly launched service from five Indian cities to New York via Dubai.

The offer, valid till March 2005, entails a complimentary companion ticket in the same class of travel, first or business, the airline said.

Air India also offers a similar companion ticket scheme on its higher classes. The airline has also introduced special seasonal fares until mid-December, which are competitive in rates.

The connections to New York via Dubai are offered in India from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Cochin. Emirates currently operates 43 non-stop weekly flights to Dubai from these cities.