Emirates is not known for its subtlety. From showers at 35,000ft, gold, and all the fake walnut you can pack into a plane to the destinations, with the song and dance that goes along when one of their Airbus A380
Well, in another demonstration of being as subtle as a gold plated brick through a window, Emirates has announced plans to up-gauge its Dubai to Washington DC (Dulles) operation to A380 operation.
Emirates Airbus A380 taxing at London Heathrow… and soon to serve Washington Dulles Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The Airbus A380 will replace the existing Boeing 777-300ER that currently operates on the route.
The date is also rather interesting – the commencement date of 1st February 2016 is just under a week after United Airlines terminate their Washington Dulles to Dubai service.
Emirates Tim Clark is quite happy with the move stating:
“Our service to Washington D.C. has been one of our most successful and profitable routes, with high demand across all cabin classes. Despite strong seat load factors, United has made the decision to withdraw from the route. The additional seats offered by our A380 will therefore restore capacity on the route, and ensure that American consumers and international travellers wishing to visit D.C. for business or leisure will continue to be served. We look forward to offering the award-winning Emirates A380 experience to our customers, and to continue contributing to the economic success of the city and its surrounding regions.”
Timings are unchanged, with the following timetable in effect:
EK231 DEPART DXB 02:20 ARRIVE IAD 08:15 EK232 DEPART IAD 10:15 ARRIVE DXB 08:00+1 Operates with 3 Class Boeing 777-300ER until 31st January 2016 Operates with 3 Class Airbus A380 from 1st February 2016 Data: Emirates
A quick check shows the changes are loaded and ready for booking on the Emirates site
Well, I’m sure this is going down a storm at United Headquarters, along with the other big US airlines who are continuing the moan about the encroachment of the Middle Eastern Three encroaching on traditional home bases.
For passengers, its an upgrade on every level. First Class passengers get their showers, Business Class passengers get their direct isle access seats and bar and Economy passengers get 32″ seat pitch with an 18″ seat seat width.
So it’s good news for the passenger… and bad news if you are a Star Alliance passenger who relied on United to get you to Dubai. You’ll have to rely on changing in Europe or fly with Turkish Airlines.
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