Emirates Eyes Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia Flights
Emirates president Tim Clark named three U.S. cities the airline is considering, saying the list of possible markets "goes on and on" as new aircraft arrive.
Emirates is looking at Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia as possible new U.S. destinations. Tim Clark, the airline's president, said so in an interview on the sidelines of the Routes World conference this week.
The three airports are only part of the picture. Clark described the list of markets under consideration as one that "goes on and on," and said the carrier can reach nearly any city it wants.
"There aren't many cities in the world that we will not be able to touch if we want to get there," Clark said.
The last U.S. city Emirates added was Miami in 2021, when it moved service there from nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, according to Cirium schedules. Newark in 2017 was its most recent entirely new U.S. destination.
New aircraft widen the map
The number of cities Emirates can serve profitably from Dubai will grow as it takes delivery of more efficient jets. Its order book holds more than 300 Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s and the long-delayed Boeing 777X, with options to switch some 777-9 orders to the smaller 777-8 or a possible larger 777-10.
He would not discuss the cabin plans beyond calling them "stylish, luxurious and cool," and said passengers in every class would be satisfied.
Demand holds despite the conflicts
Clark said Emirates is staying with its expansion plans despite the conflicts involving Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. Demand in its traditional segments remains strong, he said, and Bangkok flights are still full. The airline is also profitable despite high jet fuel prices. The trade group IATA put average kerosene at $4.58 per gallon in the week ending Oct. 16.
Emirates dominates Dubai International Airport, where it has gained from flight suspensions by several Western airlines.
In 2023, Emirates and United Airlines linked their Skywards and MileagePlus programs through a codeshare, and United began flying from Newark to Dubai. United suspended that route in February after the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Clark did not mention United when discussing U.S. growth, but Denver is the only United hub Emirates does not already serve.
Source: The Points Guy