Emirates launched its 10th destination in the United States with the start of daily nonstop passenger service between Dubai and Orlando International Airport on 1st September.
A VIP delegation and a contingent of international media were aboard the inaugural flight, which carried passengers from 29 different countries to Orlando.
“Our new daily service will enable Emirates to grow alongside Orlando, one of the world’s premier leisure destinations and a dynamic business centre,” said heikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.
“The launch of this nonstop route will bring Emirates’ unique product and award-winning service to passengers flying from Central Florida to our home in Dubai and beyond to more than 140 global destinations. Since 2004, Emirates has carried more than 11 million passengers on its U.S. flights and this new route will open up even more options for passengers travelling to Orlando. Additionally, the aircraft on this route has the capability to carry more than 17 tons of cargo in each direction every day, which will support Florida’s export market.”
Florida is on a mission to become the global leader in job creation and we are excited about the new Emirates nonstop flight between Orlando and Dubai, said Florida Governor Rick Scott. We welcomed more than 97 million visitors to our state last year and every 85 tourists creates another Florida job. We know our tourism industry helps grow our economy and that is why we are investing $145 million at the Orlando International Airport to expand the South Terminal Complex so we can continue to increase domestic and international air service, like the new Emirates flight.
“Emirates’ nonstop service to Orlando opens a new world of opportunity for us to pursue tourism and business exchanges with the Middle East, Africa and Asia,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Business and leisure tourism is critical to Central Florida’s economy and this new direct service will make it easier for travellers to get to and from Orlando, creating new jobs and opportunities for our residents.”
Emirates is a premier airline and this is a significant new air service route for Orlando International as it opens the gateway to the Middle East, Asia, Africa and beyond, said Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The benefits of this new daily service will be measured both financially and culturally. The $100 million annual economic impact to Central Florida will be coupled with the potential to connect to diverse cultures of the world.
On the special occasion of its Orlando launch, Emirates dispatched its flagship aircraft – an Airbus A380 – to celebrate the milestone and meet demand for the first flight. The inaugural Emirates flight was the first A380 aircraft to touch down at Orlando International Airport. The jet features two Shower Spas and the signature Onboard Lounge, which offers passengers a space for socializing and networking over fine wines, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and delicacies prepared by five-star chefs.
Emirates has historically increased its service capacity by up-gauging from Boeing 777 models to the A380 to meet strong consumer demand. In December 2014, Emirates commenced A380 service to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which joined John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport as U.S. destinations offering direct service to Dubai on the Emirates A380.
Orlando is famous for its world-class theme parks, family entertainment and year round sunshine which bring in over 59 million visitors each year. It also has a strong business base with thriving industries in Advanced Technology, Film and Digital Media production, Aerospace and Life Sciences.
Emirates customers can also connect seamlessly onto many destinations in the US, the Caribbean and South America through the airlines codeshare partner JetBlues regional hub in Orlando, which serves 24 cities including San Juan in Puerto Rico; Bogota, Colombia and Nassau, The Bahamas.
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