Emirates set to launch first trans-Atlantic flight from Europe

Set to begin on October 1, the new service will be the carrier's first direct service between North America and Europe.

Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, the service will originate in Dubai with passengers then able to enjoy a stopover in Milan en-route to New York. On the return flight, passengers will have the option of stopping in Milan before continuing on to Dubai.

"Operating a trans-Atlantic route has been on our agenda for some time," said Tim Clark, President Emirates. "Having carefully monitored traffic flows we have identified strong demand for both a direct connection and, importantly, for the Emirates product. The route is currently underserved, particularly with a strong premium product offering this is where we see a clear opening for Emirates. We intend to capitalise on this opportunity, stimulating further demand and encouraging additional traffic flow in both directions,"

In addition to the existing passenger market between Milan and New York, Emirates has timed its flight schedule to ensure maximum connectivity for other key feeder markets. Emirates customers will be able to connect from points across the US, including the West Coast, taking advantage of Emirates' partnership with JetBlue, and throughout Europe, maximizing the airline's frequent flyer partnership with easyJet.

The new service, an extension of Emirates three daily flights to Milan, home to the Emirates-sponsored football club AC Milan, will boost Emirates' flights to New York to three daily.

"Since we launched services to New York in 2004, demand has grown steadily. We recently introduced a double daily A380 service on this route to meet the increased demand and now is the right time to launch an additional flight, operating via Milan. Not only do we see existing potential from expatriate traffic but we are also acutely aware of the business potential that can be tapped from the wider catchment areas, thanks to our convenient flight schedule," added Clark.

In addition to passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo will offer a total of 38 tonnes of freight capacity between both cities each day.