Emirates airlines debuts : one way to Dubai from LAX, page 1

Emirates airlines debuts on way to Dubai at LAX

www.dailybreeze.com

Airbus A380 between Dubai and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it the first carrier to use the massive jet for passenger flights in the United States. A similar test flight was held Monday at San Francisco International Airport.

"We are confident that Emirates' customers traveling to and from North America will welcome the A380's additional space and capacity, as well as our luxurious onboard amenities, which will provide a very high quality travel experience previously associated only with private jets," said Sheikh Ahmed bin

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Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline.
Although the Airbus A380 can hold more than 800 passengers, the aircraft being tested by Emirates will be configured to seat 489 people in first, business and economy classes. It will feature showers, luxury suites, a full-service bar and two lounge areas.

Emirates will launch service between LAX and Dubai beginning Oct. 1, using the Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft, but officials said they hope to eventually switch to the Airbus A380 for the 8,339-mile flight, which lasts about 17 hours.

In the meantime, Qantas Airlines will be the first airline to launch regular flights aboard the Airbus A380 out of LAX beginning Oct. 20.

Airport officials are planning to build six new gates capable of accommodating the Airbus A380 on the back of the Tom Bradley International Terminal by 2010 at a cost of more than $1.5 billion.

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[edit on 5-8-2008 by StefanO]