Emirates to fly to Los Angeles

 

 

Dubai-based carrier Emirates will expand its US route network by opening its West Coast gateway with direct daily flights to Los Angeles in California starting September 1 – the first non-stop operation to connect the two cities.

 

Emirates will fly its Boeing 777-200LR on the route, offering 266 seats in a three class configuration and will provide up to 10 tonnes of cargo capacity from Los Angeles. It currently provides direct services from Dubai to two other US cities, Houston and New York.

 

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said they have evaluated the US for expansion opportunities and have carefully examined existing services, both of which have been successful.

 

“We look forward to recreating this success by connecting Los Angeles to Dubai and beyond. Los Angeles represents Emirates’ commitment to the American market,” he said.

 

Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles said: “The route opens a new destination for business and leisure travellers in the Gulf region, a part of the world not previously served from Los Angeles.  It will also enable travellers to reach every region of the world non-stop from Los Angeles Airport (LAX).”

 

The flight runs a distance of 8339 miles, clocking 16 hours 35 minutes journey time to California, while the shorter return flight will be just under 16 hours.

 

The new service will also provide its customers in the Middle East and Asia with direct access to California’s largest city and the second largest city in the US.  Los Angeles is one of the world’s known centres of culture and international trade and is famed for its status as the capital of the western film industry. Other significant industries in LA include aerospace, agriculture, petroleum and tourism. 

 

The new service will operate out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, located 24 kms southwest of Los Angeles and is the world’s fifth busiest airport.  In 2007, the airport handled more than 61 million passengers.