Emirates will join Air France and British Air as Washington DC area superjumbo carriers, as it makes plans to fly its massive A380 jumbo jets to Dulles Airport starting January 26th. The A380 will replace the currently used Boeing 777 and adds capacity for up to an additional 150 passengers per flight.
Emirates made the announcement after United Airlines decided to drop its Washington Dulles – Dubai route. United made an announcement in December that it would discontinue flying the route on January 25th. United blamed the expansion of “subsidized” local carriers and the loss of a government contract as the reasons for its decision.
“Our service to Washington D.C. has been one of our most successful and profitable routes, with high demand across all cabin classes,” Emirates President Tim Clark says in a statement. “Despite strong seat load factors, United has made the decision to withdraw from the route. The additional seats offered by our A380 will therefore restore capacity on the route, and ensure that American consumers and international travelers wishing to visit D.C. for business or leisure will continue to be served.”
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