Emirates to Provide Free Helicopter Transfer for First Class on New A380 Route

by Enoch

Emirates currently provides free chauffeur-drive service to Business and First Class passengers to/from the airport at most of their destinations. Part of this offering is to attract passengers from Abu Dhabi that might otherwise fly Etihad (which provides similar service to draw the Dubai crowd), but I am sure it’s a perk that many passengers enjoy.

But this service might be getting a bit snazzier in Nice, France. Emirates operates a 777-300ER between Nice (NCE) and Dubai (DXB), but will be upgrading the route to an A380 as of July 1, 2017. Perhaps to “celebrate” this equipment change, Emirates has also announced some positive changes to the chauffeur-drive service there, if you’re headed to Monaco.

A Monacair "regular line" helicopter. Source: Monacair

A Monacair “regular line” helicopter. Source: Monacair

Specifically, First Class passengers will receive a free helicopter ride from Nice airport to the Monaco heliport, and then a limousine ride to their final destination. Business Class passenger can take advantage of the helicopter transfer for €79, and even Economy Class passengers can get a ride for €109. Emirates is doing this in partnership with Monacair, which regularly offers helicopter transportation between Nice Airport and Monaco. The helicopter ride will take about 6 minutes.

For reference, a seat on regularly scheduled one-way flight between Nice Airport and Monaco usually costs €160; that cost includes ground transportation between the heliport to the final destination. Assuming Emirates is using the “regular line” service, it also looks more to be a shuttle than a luxury flying experience. But for those hoping to get off the ground or save some time, they are definitely getting a discount with Emirates compared to buying directly from Monacair.

A one-way helicopter ride between Nice airport and Monaco, including ground transportation, will set you back 160 Euros.

A one-way helicopter ride between Nice airport and Monaco, including ground transportation, will set you back 160 Euros.

Emirates isn’t the only airline with which Monacair is partnering. Late last year, Monacair announced a “partnership” with European low-cost carrier easyjet, where passengers can check in at the Monaco heliport just 50 minutes before their flight departs.

Only passengers who are booked on Emirates’ ticket stock, as well as those on Qantas ticket stock flying Australia-Dubai-London are eligible for chauffeur drive services. So those who redeem, say, Alaska or JAL miles for an Emirates award will not be eligible.

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1 comment

George March 24, 2017 - 9:30 am

Who actually thinks Emirates can fill an A380 on that route? lol

Just another route losing money and being made up by the UAE owners (yes, they’re owners, not a government.)

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