Emirates recently enhanced its presence in Southeast Asia with the launch of a new daily linked service from Dubai to Yangon (RGN) in Myanmar, and onwards to Hanoi (HAN) in Vietnam.

This new service, which is being operated with a Boeing 777-300ER, expands the airline’s network in Southeast Asia to 12 cities in seven countries and offers more choices and convenience to passengers travelling between Hanoi and Yangon to Dubai and beyond.

Yangon, the first destination within Myanmar to be served by Emirates, is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. As the country’s largest city and the most important commercial centre, Yangon contributes approximately one fifth to the country’s GDP. The previously undiscovered country offers visitors a rare glimpse of ancient Asia, and since the opening up of tourism, has witnessed an increase in foreign tourist arrivals.

Meanwhile, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and also a destination with rich culture and heritage for over a thousand years, becomes Emirates’ second gateway within the country following the launch of services to Ho Chi Minh City in 2012.

Badr Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Far East, was on board the inaugural flight with a number of senior executives of the airline. They were joined by a VIP delegation that included prominent business leaders as well as media from the UAE, GCC and Europe. The aircraft was greeted in Yangon and Hanoi by traditional water cannon salutes upon arrival.