Emirates, the leading international airline of the UAE, will start non-stop daily flights to Washington Dulles International Airport from September 12.

Emirates will operate a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft 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 US 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 US 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 greater Washington, DC area is highly diverse, with over 15 per cent of its population born outside the US The region is home to more than 1,000 international institutions and over 1,000 foreign-owned companies from 50 countries.

Starting September 12, EK 231 will leave Dubai daily at 2:20 am and arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) at 08:50am. EK 232 will depart Dulles at 10:55 am arriving in Dubai at 8:00 am the following day. – TradeArabia News Service