Emirates graces the skies in New Mexico, USA

Marking its second stop in the United States, the huge red Emirates hot-air balloon touched down at the world-renown Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta over the weekend.

The Emirates balloon, emblazoned with the familiar Emirates brand, will take to the skies daily through 14th October, floating above the Land of Enchantment through the crisp fall air with the Rocky Mountains, red rock mesas and the Rio Grande River as a backdrop.

Participation in this year's fiesta is one way the airline is marking its entry into the south/southwest region of the United States. Starting 3rd December, 2007, residents of the region can fly non-stop between Houston and Dubai. The new service will initially operate three times a week, increasing to a daily service on 1st February, 2008. The award-winning airline will fly its new Boeing 777-200LR on the route, offering 266 seats in a three-class configuration and up to 14 tonnes of cargo capacity. Emirates operates one of the youngest aircraft fleets and uses some of the industry's most modern technologies and will fly out of Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.

'Emirates is always looking at new ways to expand its transcontinental profile so we are delighted to be taking part in this fantastically visual event that will create a great deal of fun and interest around the globe. Our business is all about travel, and bridging countries and continents, and the international balloon festival reflects that,' Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide said. 'We also enjoy bringing pleasure to people's lives, and seeing the Emirates Balloon in a sea of colours and shapes will no doubt bring smiles to many faces as the festival moves around the world over the months to come.'

Each year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts more than 100,000 spectators from around the world during its nine days of mass balloon ascensions, balloon competitions and balloon glows. Featuring more than 700 balloons, the Balloon Fiesta has grown to become one of the largest ballooning events on earth, the most photographed event on earth and the largest annual international event in the U.S. The Balloon Fiesta will take place at the city's custom-designed, 365-acre Balloon Fiesta Park. The International Balloon Festival incorporates five other balloon festivals from the USA to Australia through April 2008.