Emirates Announces Daily Air Service from DFW International Airport to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates

Passengers can "Fly Emirates" to DFW's first nonstop to the Middle East starting in February; Annual economic benefit to Dallas/Fort Worth tops $200 million

DFW AIRPORT, Texas, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport today announced that Emirates will launch nonstop daily service between DFW and Dubai (DXB) International Airport starting on February 2, 2012.  Emirates, the largest air carrier in the Middle East, will serve the route with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft equipped with 266 seats.  The announcement marks DFW's first nonstop flight to the Middle East, a key strategic goal for the Airport.

"This monumental announcement from Emirates brings a new and highly valued international airline partner to Dallas/Fort Worth," said Jeffrey P. Fegan, CEO of DFW International Airport.  "Emirates daily nonstop service between DFW and Dubai connects two global super-hub portals for U.S. travelers to the Far and Middle East, the Indian sub-continent and Africa on a trendsetting airline."

"We're thrilled to have Emirates bring its renowned international service to Dallas/Fort Worth," said Francisco Hernandez, Chairman of the DFW Airport Board of Directors.  "Emirates has established a high level of excellence and admiration within the aviation community, and we are confident that DFW passengers will be eager to take advantage of the new route for travel to the Middle East and beyond."

The Emirates daily service is expected to produce $227 million in economic impact every year to the Dallas/Fort Worth region in terms of additional visitors, business ties and investments, according to DFW Airport estimates.

"This new flight demonstrates that the Dallas/Fort Worth area continues to grow as one of the most vital business and tourism centers in the world, and a world-class airport is what fosters our international growth," said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.  "The new flight adds $227 million in yearly economic impact to our region which demonstrates the value that DFW brings home every day."

"With the arrival of Emirates and its tremendous network, we look forward to building more new business partnerships around the world," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.  "The new Emirates flight from DFW gives our citizens even more global connections in business and trade, which presents a tremendous advantage in economic development for our region."  

Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing airlines, offers flights from its primary hub in Dubai to a total of 114 cities in 67 countries across six continents.  Emirates features a high level of service in three classes, including private suites in First Class, lie-flat beds in Business Class and generously sized seats in Economy Class.  Gourmet food and a 1200-channel entertainment system are available in all classes.

"DFW Airport provides Emirates with a customer satisfaction experience that ranks among the best in the world from our highly acclaimed Terminal D," said Fegan.  "The combination of DFW, Emirates and Dubai's outstanding airport makes for a tremendous match and a great travel experience."

The Emirates announcement concludes a record-breaking year for new international service at DFW on a high note, as the Airport added nine new international destinations in fiscal year 2011, which ends September 30.

The planned schedule calls for Emirates flight #221 to depart Dubai at 2:45 a.m. local time and arrive at DFW at 9:05 a.m. the same day.  The return flight, Emirates #222, departs DFW at 11:50 a.m. and arrives in Dubai at 12:20 p.m. the following day.  The flight is expected to take about 16 hours each way.

About DFW International Airport
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's fourth busiest, offering nearly 1,750 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW provides non-stop service to 145 domestic and 48 international destinations worldwide. For five consecutive years, DFW has ranked in the top five for customer service among large airports worldwide in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.dfwairport.com.

(re)defining DFW International Airport
DFW International Airport's $1.9 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway.  For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.dfwairport.com/redefine.

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SOURCE DFW International Airport