The number of travellers flying Gulf State carriers to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport in the US increased more than 74 per cent from 2014 to 2015, according to officials.

DFW officials, visiting Dubai for the Arabian Travel Market taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 25 – 28, expect to host more than half a million customers who fly these routes this year.

In 2015, a total of 476,494 customers travelled on the three gulf carriers to DFW. The increase includes a full 12 months of service on the Emirates flagship Airbus A380, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, who use and Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

International travellers arriving at DFW encounter an efficient and speedy US entry process. DFW utilizes electronic passport processing kiosks, which have reduced wait times in Customs to 15 minutes or less for a majority of international travellers.

To further reduce processing times, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in conjunction with DFW, implemented its new Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app for US and Canadian citizens. This program will help decrease the number of travellers who process through a CBP agent. The MPC mobile app is the first authorized mobile app for use in entering the US.

“DFW continues to develop infrastructure and services to further enhance the overall customer experience at our airport. We look to the world’s best airports as models for the level of customer service we strive to achieve,” said John Ackerman, DFW executive vice president Global Strategy and Development. “We are constantly looking for ways to expedite the entry process for international travellers. Technology like the MPC app allows Customs agents to spend more time helping other travellers.”

To further improve the customer experience, DFW recently launched its Apple Watch app, in conjunction with an all-new DFW Mobile app for IOS and Android. DFW is the first US airport to support the Apple Watch platform. The Official DFW Airport Mobile App and the DFW Airport Apple Watch App are part of a growing portfolio of advanced technology products and services designed to create a better travel experience by providing real-time information tailored to a customer’s particular journey.

DFW is also increasing its duty-free shops by more than 42 per cent by the end of 2016. Six new stores will transform the duty-free experience in International Terminal D and bring an unparalleled level of luxury featuring global brands, such as Ferragamo, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Lancôme and Burberry, cutting-edge technology and local flair.

DFW is also becoming a shopping destination for travellers, where customers enjoy a mix of well-known luxury brands such as Tumi, Coach, Swarovski, Hugo Boss, MontBlanc, and more. DFW continues to offer customer-centric complimentary features such as airport-wide Wi-Fi service, yoga studio, and $6-million art collection.

Also available are napping centres, spas, and lounges, along with a host of dining and entertainment options. DFW Airport Ambassadors, who collectively speak more than 40 languages, including Arabic and several Indian languages, warmly greet and assist customers.

The Dallas-Fort Worth region serves as home to 21 Fortune 500 companies. The region benefits greatly from the economic impact of service by the Gulf carriers. Each daily international wide-body route is estimated to contribute $200 million (USD) to the DFW region.

“Thanks to the flights between our two regions, DFW is excited to promote, foster, and drive more business and leisure opportunities from the Middle East to North Texas through these highly valued flights,” said Ackerman. “We greatly appreciate our customers, airline partners, and business relationships, which is why we continue to exhibit at the Arabian Travel Market.” – TradeArabia News Service