Dubai’s Emirates airline has launched its 10th destination in the US with the start of daily nonstop passenger service between Dubai and Orlando International Airport.

“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 Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and 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 US 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,” he said.

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 socialising and networking over fine wines, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and delicacies prepared by five-star chefs.

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 spacious Economy Class seats. Emirates operates a fleet of 143 Boeing 777’s, the most of any airline in the world.

Emirates passengers in all cabin classes enjoy renowned service provided by a multilingual crew representing more than 130 nationalities, savour regionally inspired gourmet cuisine and immerse themselves in the award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice Digital Widescreen – offering more than 2,000 channels of movies, TV programmes, music, games and podcasts in a three-cabin configuration featuring eight private First Class suites, 42 Business Class suites with lie-flat beds and 216 Economy Class seats.

First Class and Business Class passengers can also travel to and from the airport (up to a distance of 90 miles around Orlando International Airport) via Emirates complimentary Chauffeur-drive service.

Parents flying with children are well-attended with access to free strollers at Dubai International Airport, a choice of children’s toys, specially prepared children’s meals and dedicated children’s channels on board to keep younger passengers entertained.

Emirates passengers looking to explore beyond the airline's network of American destinations now have dozens of options with the Americas Pass.

With one combined ticket, travellers flying to any of Emirates’ 10 US destinations can connect to more than 90 cities across America, Canada and Latin America through Emirates’ five partner airlines: Jet Blue, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, WestJet Airlines and Porter Airlines. – TradeArabia News Service