Dubai-based Emirates will launch its first transatlantic flights on October 1, flying direct from New York to Milan.
The airline will offer connections to Milan from the UK via its frequent flyer partnership with easyJet. At New York, customers can transfer on to domestic flights provided by Emirates’ US partner JetBlue.
"Operating a trans-Atlantic route has been on our agenda for some time," said Emirates’ president Tim Clark.
"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."
Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, the flight will be an extension of one of Emirates’ existing three daily, Dubai to Milan flights.
The service will originate in Dubai with passengers stopping over in Milan en-route to New York. On the return flight, passengers will again stopover in Milan before continuing on to Dubai.
