London’s Emirates Air Line lifts 1m passengers
London’s new cable car system, made possible by a $56m sponsorship deal with Dubai’s Emirates Airline, has carried more than one million passengers in its first nine weeks of operation.
{jcomments on}
The newest addition to London’s transport network averaged of more than 20,000 passenger flights each day since the start of the London 2012 Games, Transport for London said in a statement on Tuesday.
Tim Clark, president, Emirates said: “The fact that we’ve hit the one millionth mark so soon after the opening of the Emirates Air Line, is testament to Emirates’ continued investment into connecting people through exciting, innovative and shared experiences.
“Not only does the Emirates Air Line connect East London’s residents and commuters to London’s unique offerings, but will also be an additional link into improving London’s tourism and stimulating business growth.”
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added: “In just a couple of months since it opened the Emirates Air Line has well and truly landed in east London.
“Not only has this iconic new transport link opened up access to the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, but its stunning panoramic views as it soars across our city skyline have proved a star attraction, not just for us mortals but for movie legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger too.
“And this is just the beginning because as we head beyond the 2012 Games London’s first urban cable car remains at the epicentre of my plans to rejuvenate the east end.”
He said the Emirates Air Line will play a key role in the Mayor’s regeneration plans for east London, supporting job creation and economic growth.
The UK’s first urban cable car connects Greenwich and the Royal Docks and two world-class venues – the North Greenwich Arena and ExCeL.
The 1.1km long river crossing has the capacity to carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction, the equivalent of 30 buses.
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Emirates Air Line opening hours have been extended later into the evening.
