Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies has announced it is commencing a daily service to Orlando, Florida from Sept. 1. The route will be served by a US-built Boeing 777-200LR with eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class lie-flat beds and 216 Economy Class seats.

US visitors continue to visit Dubai — Emirates’ home and hub — in their thousands. In 2014 over 500,000 US citizens stayed in Dubai to conduct business and explore the emirate’s array of leisure opportunities. Emirates customers can also connect seamlessly onto many destinations in the United States, the Caribbean and South America through the airline’s codeshare partner JetBlue.

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

"Orlando International Airport has always been an engine for economic growth and job creation in Central Florida," said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "This pro-growth development demonstrates that international airlines can spur American jobs by providing supply where there is previously unmet demand," said US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.

"JetBlue is delighted to see our codeshare partner Emirates expand into Orlando, one of our largest and most important markets," said Scott Laurence, JetBlue's senior vice president of airline planning.

“Florida is on a mission to become the global leader in job creation and we are excited about the new Emirates nonstop flight between Orlando and Dubai,” said Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

"Emirates addition of daily service between Dubai and Orlando is great news for the Sunshine State and will help to establish Florida as the No.1 travel destination in the world," said J. William Seccombe, president and CEO, Visit Florida.