The Hindu Business Line : Emirates to launch daily flights to NY on June 1

INDIAN travellers planning to visit the US will soon have one more airline to choose from, with Emirates launching its first passenger service to the US and North America on June 1.

The non-stop service to New York's JFK airport will operate daily from Dubai, which is served by 43 non-stop flights each week from India.

The airline is celebrating the launch of the service by offering first and business class passengers exclusive fly-and-stay packages.

The airline will deploy its new fleet of Airbus 340-500 aircraft, acquired at an investment of $1.8 billion, on the new long-haul route.

According to an official statement, the first class suites, costing $1,75,000 each, make them as comfortable as luxurious executive aircrafts.

The statement, quoting Mr Abdulla Nasser Abdulla Hussain, Emirates' Vice-President for India and Nepal, said, "The advantages of the A340-500, in terms of it being the fastest flight to New York together with the various passenger-friendly amenities and the grand introductory offer, will result in healthy revenues for the airline."

As a promotional offer, the first class fare has been pegged at Rs 2.96 lakh, a business class ticket at Rs 1.91 lakh, and an economy class ticket at Rs 53,000. The promotional fare is valid up to May 31.

Besides, first class passengers who fly Emirates to New York between June 1 and August 31, can spend three nights in a deluxe room at either the Ritz-Carlton in New York (Central Park or Battery Park), Philadelphia, Boston, South Beach or Washington DC including breakfast or avail themselves of seven days car rental.

Business class passengers can avail themselves of two nights in a deluxe room at either the Ritz-Carlton in New York (Central Park or Battery Park), Philadelphia, Boston, South Beach including breakfast or Washington or avail themselves of four days car rental.