Emirates launches daily non-stop flight to Orlando

Dubai - "The launch of this non-stop route will bring Emirates' product and service to passengers flying from central Florida to our home in Dubai and beyond to more than 140 global destinations."

Emirates launched its 10th destination in the United States with the start of daily non-stop passenger service between Dubai and Orlando International Airport on Monday.
"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 Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group.
"The launch of this non-stop route will bring Emirates' product and 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 US flights. 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 tonnes 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 non-stop 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' non-stop 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' daily flight EK219, will depart Dubai at 3.50am and arrive in Orlando at 11.40am, a flying time of 15 hours and 50 minutes. EK220 will depart Orlando International Airport Terminal B at 2.20pm and arrive into Dubai International Terminal 3 at 12.30pm the following day, with a flying time of 14 hours and 10 minutes.
On the occasion of its Orlando launch, Emirates dispatched an Airbus A380 to celebrate the milestone. The inaugural Emirates flight was the first A380 aircraft to touch down at Orlando International Airport.
Regular scheduled service on the Orlando route will be offered on the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, which seats 266 passengers, including eight private first class suites, 42 business class lie-flat beds and 216 economy class seats.
Emirates operates a fleet of 143 Boeing 777's, the most of any airline in the world.
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 US 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.
- business@khaleejtimes.com