Emirates Airline’s new Dallas/Fort Worth flights will help boost UAE trade with the United States beyond its previous high in 2008, a senior official said on Friday.
The Dubai airline launched its fifth US gateway on Friday, its fourth new route in 2012, which will be served daily with a Boeing 777 aircraft.
Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE’s Ambassador to the United States, said: “The United Arab Emirates is the single largest export market for American goods in the Middle East and trade continues to grow sharply, up more than 20 percent in 2011 compared to the previous 12 months.
“The US is on target to surpass its pre-downturn 2008 record of $14.4bn in total exports to the UAE and this new Emirates route will spur hundreds of millions more in local economic activity.
“It will also attract more UAE investment to Texas and more Texas investment in the UAE,” added Al Otaiba.
Nigel Page, senior vice president, Commercial Operations, The Americas, added: “A direct link with Dubai will open new vistas for North Texas, with key trading and business centres in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent now just one stop away.”
“This daily flight is a big deal for both North Texas and our partners in the UAE,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
“Our world is getting smaller, and it’s crucial that we take advantage of every opportunity to expand our global business and tourism presence. This connection certainly does that. Fort Worth is excited about the doors that will open thanks to this daily connection with our partners in Dubai.”
Dallas/Fort Worth becomes Emirates’ 121st global destination.