Emirates increases passenger capacity on Chicago route

posted on 16/01/2015: 282 views

Emirates Airline has announced an increase in passenger capacity on its Chicago route effective from 1st May, when it switches from its Boeing 777-200LR currently operating the route to a larger Boeing 777-300ER.
The airliner launched its Chicago service, its ninth U.S. gateway, on 5th August last year, and the route has carried 66,000 passengers and 3,410 tonnes of cargo to date. The increase in capacity will offer 88 additional Economy Class seats, representing a 33 percent increase in seating capacity. The choice of premium cabin seats remains unchanged, offering customers a choice of eight First Class Suites and 42 Business Class seats.
"Emirates has seen steady growth and strong customer demand for our Chicago route since its launch only five months ago. The up-gauge to a Boeing 777-300ER in May will introduce Emirates' unique product and service to even more of our customers," said Hubert Frach, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West – Americas, Africa, Europe and Russian Federation. "Chicago is home to 2.7 million residents, making it America's third-largest city. By increasing capacity in this market, we are able to offering more chances for passengers and businesses to connect, not only with our home and hub Dubai, but also across Emirates' global network including the airline's network of 10 cities in India, 17 in the Far East and 24 points in Africa." Chicago is home to many of the US's largest companies, including Boeing, which is a very important partner of Emirates. Emirates is the largest operator of US built Boeing 777 aircraft in the world, with a fleet of 131 passenger and 12 freighter aircraft which contribute towards the airline's overall fleet of 231 wide-bodied aircraft.
Rich in its cultural heritage, world-class arts establishments, accomplished sports teams and iconic tourist attractions, which attract about 46 million people each year, Chicago surpassed Atlanta's Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport as the US's busiest domestic airport in 2014. Similarly, last month Dubai International Airport surpassed London Heathrow as the busiest international airport in the world.
Emirates' daily flight EK235 departs from Dubai International Airport at 09:40 and arrives at O'Hare at 15:30. The return flight, EK236, departs from O'Hare at 20:30 and lands in Dubai at 19:10 the next day. Both flights offer convenient connections to and from many of Emirates' global network of over 147 destinations across six continents. The passenger service is complemented by Emirates' dedicated freighter service which operates two times a week from O'Hare.