Emirates to launch new service to Washington, DC

Emirates will operate a Boeing 777-300 ERaircraft on its DC route, providing eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in business class and 304 seats in economy class.

“As Emirates’ seventh U.S. gateway and our third new American route to launch in 2012, Washington, DC is a significant next step as we continue to expand our services across the country,” said Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group.

“This new route will provide further impetus to the vibrant trade relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, boosting exports and imports and increasing opportunities for business, industry and tourism.”

Trade between the United States and the United Arab Emirates reached a record-high of $18.34 billion in 2011 - an increase of over 40 per cent from 2010.

The UAE. was the 19th largest export destination for American goods in the world in 2011, with the total value of exports reaching a record high of almost $16 billion. The most exported items to the UAE. were transport equipment, computer and electronic products, non-electrical machinery, chemicals and fabricated metal products. 

Emirates’ network now encompasses 122 cities globally, with 22 destinations in Africa, 17 in the Middle East and 18 in the Far East and Australasia. The airline also operates over 200 flights each week to the Indian Subcontinent and Pakistan. Emirates' flights to Dubai provide conveniently timed connections to an extensive range of onward destinations,with Bangkok, Delhi, Manila, Johannesburg, Dar Es Salaam, Nairobi, Mumbai and Bangalore all connecting in under four hours.

Customers travelling to and from the United States can also benefit from Emirates’ partnerships with Jet Blue, American Airlines, Virgin America and Alaska Airlines. Passengers connecting on to Emirates’ services from these airlines enjoy a range of advantages, including one-stop check in and checked through baggage.