- Emirates launched the first direct air bridge between the Middle East and America’s Northwest yesterday, as its inaugural service from Dubai departed for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- With two dynamic and fast-growing regions now more closely linked, Emirates’ Seattle service will generate a host of economic benefits; from boosting imports and exports to creating new markets for business and tourism.
Emirates’ recent order for an additional 50 Boeing 777-300ERs fitted with American-made GE90 engines, plus options for 20 more aircraft worth a total of $26 billion at list prices, will support over 100,000 skilled American jobs in more than a dozen US states.
“Emirates has looked forward to the day when we would connect Seattle to our home hub in Dubai, on flights operated by state-of-the-art, Seattle-built aircraft,” said Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline & Group.
“This new service is the latest step in Emirates’ strategic program of expansion across the United States, and we are confident that it will support the burgeoning trade relationship between the UAE and the Seattle metropolitan region,” he added. “Emirates highly values its partnerships with American business and industry, and we look forward to strengthening these links as we invest in growing our presence across the country.”
“This new service will serve as a gateway to an important part of the world that is essential to creating jobs, new business and tourism opportunities in our state,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Gael Tarleton. “This direct service connects the Puget Sound region to an entire new continent of economic possibilities.”
“Emirates’ nonstop flights will support Seattle’s thriving export trade through a 15-ton freight capacity that will serve one of the largest cargo hubs in the world at Dubai International Airport,” said Ram Menen, divisional SVP of Emirates SkyCargo.