Gulf carrier Emirates plans a major expansion in the US and says the region is "hugely important" to the airline’s future strategy.
The US currently generates only 7% of Emirates’ sales but president Tim Clark wants the North American market to become one of its three largest sources of revenue.
He made the claims when addressing the World Routes Strategy Summit in Chicago over the weekend.
The city of Chicago has just become the carrier’s ninth US destination and Clark says he is looking for several more cities to add to its network.
Clark said recent orders for another 260 long-range aircraft will aid its expansion in the US.
Rival US carriers have long complained Emirates has an unfair advantage due to UAE government subsidies but again Clark dismissed criticism.
"If there’s any subsidy, it’s because the government does the right thing," Clark said, citing the major infrastructure investment taking place at Dubai’s airports.
