New air service with twice-weekly flights links Abu Dhabi with Sir Bani Yas Island.

Published: January 22, 2009 / LuxuryTravelMagazine.com

A new air service took off on Thursday, January 15th in the UAE with twice-weekly flights linking Abu Dhabi with Sir Bani Yas Island; phase one of the Desert Islands project in the emirate's Al Gharbia western region.

The service provided by private operator Empire Aviation on behalf of Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Desert Islands project, will operate return flights every Thursday and Saturday to Sir Bani Yas Island with more flight soon to be announced. The service can also be chartered on demand as part of the accommodation package offered by Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa.

Operating two eight-seater Cessna Caravans, the flight to Sir Bani Yas Island – home to the Arabian Wildlife Park – will take approximately 50 minutes as opposed to a two and a half hour car journey from the UAE capital.

“This service is providing greater accessibility to Sir Bani Yas Island which is an incomparable destination and presents a face of Arabia many could never imagine,” said Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.

And to mark the launch of the service, Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, the boutique 64-room operated by the award-winning Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas, is offering a special weekend package for two. The package includes flights and two-nights stay including breakfast and island activities for AED4,600 per couple plus service charge. The offer is valid until March 31st.

The Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa, which opened only three months ago, signalled the launch of Sir Bani Yas Island onto the international tourism map. Guests at the distinctive, beachfront resort can enjoy a range of adventure activities. Outdoor activities include: 4x4 tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park, which has one of the world’s largest herds of Arabian Oryx; kayaking through mangrove forests; snorkelling in the protected water,s which are rich in marine life; or hiking and mountain biking across the island’s ancient salt domes.

Sir Bani Yas Island, a former Royal nature reserve, is an 87 square kilometre island just off Jebel Dhanna in Al Gharbia. Guests arriving by car are provided with boat crossing to the island. Sir Bani Yas Island is the first phase of TDIC’s flagship Desert Islands destination, which comprises eight islands and an onshore gate.