EUROPE - Mayor of London Boris Johnson officially opened the £50m Emirates Air Line connecting Excel London The O2 on 28 June.

The UK's first urban cable car stretches across 1.1km and travels at a height of 90m. The service can carry up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction and has taken just over a year to build.

“The Emirates Air Line is a stunning addition to London’s transport network, providing a much-needed new connection across the Thames,” the Mayor told press and dignitaries at the official onsite opening.

“The Emirates Air Line is now set to be a must-see destination in its own right, giving people the chance to drink in breathtaking panoramic views.

“Crucially, the Emirates Air Line supports my ambitious plans to revive the neighbouring areas, which have been neglected for decades, creating jobs for Londoners and stimulating growth," he added.

Sixty people have been employed by construction firm Mace Macro to operate the new cable car and its 34 cabins between terminals Emirates Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks. Nearly half of these employees are from the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Newham.

Emirates has sponsored the service under a 10-year, £36m deal.

“It is exhilarating to see the Emirates Air Line take flight for the first time today,” Emirates Airline president Tim Clark added.

The cable car will be open seven days a week. Passengers can pay with their Oyster card, with a single one-way adult fare costing £3.20.

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