Emirates has announced plans to upgrade its Dubai-Washington DC service, with the introduction of its flagship Airbus A380 on the route beginning February 1.

Replacing the existing Boeing 777-300ER used on this route, the A380 will serve the strong customer demand and restore route capacity following United Airlines’ planned withdrawal from the Washington DC - Dubai route after January 25.

The aircraft upgauge will also offer consumers travelling on the Washington, DC route the unique experience of Emirates’ flagship A380 aircraft, and a seamless Emirates A380 experience to many connecting destinations on the airline’s global network.

Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “Our service to Washington DC has been one of our most successful and profitable routes, with high demand across all cabin classes. Despite strong seat load factors, United has made the decision to withdraw from the route. The additional seats offered by our A380 will therefore restore capacity on the route, and ensure that American consumers and international travellers wishing to visit DC for business or leisure will continue to be served. We look forward to offering the award-winning Emirates A380 experience to our customers, and to continue contributing to the economic success of the city and its surrounding regions.”

Timings for the daily inbound/outbound flights on the Dubai- Washington, DC route will remain unchanged. As of February 1, flight EK231 will continue to depart Dubai at 2:20 am daily arriving in Washington, DC at 8:15 am. Timings for the return flight, EK232 will also remain unchanged, departing Washington, DC at 10:15 am, arriving in Dubai at 8:00 am the next day. – TradeArabia News Service