Emirates has extended its network with the addition of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro routes, further broadening the airline's reach across the Americas.

Emirates’ inaugural Flight 247 made its first landing at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where it was initiated by a traditional water cannon salute, a statement from the airline said.

The flight then departed for its first onwards connection to Buenos Aires, where government and airport officials led by Enrique Meyer, the Argentinean Minister of Tourism, welcomed the Emirates VIP delegation headed by Thierry Antinori, executive vice president - passenger sales worldwide.  

Other members of the VIP delegation aboard the flight included the Argentinean Ambassador to the UAE, Ruben E Caro; UAE Ambassador Mohammed Eissa Al Zaabi; Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, director, Department of American and Pacific Affairs, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Adnan Kazim, divisional senior vice president, planning and research; and Nigel Page, senior vice president, commercial operations, the Americas.

“This new linked service to two of the most economically vibrant cities in South America will not only boost trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates' route network spanning points across the globe,' said Antinori.

The Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires flight is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering eight first class private suites, 42 lie-flat beds in business class and 304 seats in economy class.

The airline has a fleet of 168 aircraft and is the world's largest Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 operator.

With an order for 50 new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft placed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2011, it now has 237 aircraft on order, worth over $84 billion at list prices.

Emirates now flies to 118 destinations in 69 countries. Over the next two months, the airline will launch a further five destinations: Dublin, Lusaka, Harare, Seattle and Dallas. – TradeArabia News Service