Emirates launching daily Dubai-Orlando service

Undeterred by the growing opposition against Gulf carriers in the US, Dubai based Emirates plans to make Orlando its 10th US destination.

The carrier plans to fly daily between Dubai and Orlando International Airport beginning September 1.

The 15-hour flight will be operated by 266-seat Boeing 777 aircraft.

This will become the first regular scheduled service between Orlando and the Gulf region.

Emirates chief executive Tim Clark called Orlando “one of the world’s premier leisure and conference destinations, a dynamic business center and a destination which Emirates has long wished to serve.”

It has been hailed by airport officials who expect the flights will generate a $100 million boost to the Central Florida economy.

“This is without question the biggest, most significant move forward for our airport and this community,” Greater Orlando Aviation Association chair Frank Kruppenbacher said.

Emirates said it will launch introductory fares staring at $990 round trip and $9,990 for a private first class suite.

The big three airlines in the US – Delta, American and United – have been ramping up pressure on the US Administration to act against Emirates and fellow Gulf carriers Etihad and Qatar Airways.

The US carriers claim unfair government subsidies for the Middle East airlines are hurting US employment and want the Open Skies policy amended.