Emirates aims to restore around 80% of flights to the United States by October 2021 and predicts it will increase service frequencies to more than 90% of pre-COVID levels by December 2021.
On January 11, 2021, the Dubai-based airline Emirates announced its plan to expand operations in the US amid increased air travel demand. Effective October 2021, Emirates will operate an increased flight schedule to six destinations, including five weekly services to Boston (BOS), Dallas (DFW), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Washington (IAD) as well as 19 flights per week to New York (JFK).
The move will bring the total number of US services to 78 weekly operations on 12 routes across the country, equating to nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Emirates also predicts that by December 2021, it will recover more than 90% of its US flight schedule, which the airline used to operate before the pandemic.
Starting from October, Emirates will be ramping up US flights to 78 weekly services across 12 destinations to meet increased demand, offering more connectivity from @DXB to @BostonLogan, @DFWAirport, @JFKairport, @flySFO, @flySEA and @Dulles_Airport. https://t.co/JD7u71xz73 pic.twitter.com/kW3E6CixhJ
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 20, 2021
The carrier said an increased number of flights will be operated by its Airbus A380 aircraft, equipped with Emirates signature Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa. Starting from October 2021, the superjumbo will carry travelers on the US routes 24 per week, including 12 weekly flights to New York, seven weekly flights to Los Angeles, and five flights to Washington.
Then, the airline will gradually upscale the A380 double-decker jet operations on various American destinations. The A380 jet will return to daily San Francisco service from December 2021, Emirates noted.
According to the Emirates statement, eased travel rules as well as rising air travel confidence result in growing passenger demand for international services. Therefore the airline plans a ramp-up of operations. On September 16, 2021, Emirates started a global recruitment program, with which it aims to hire 3,000 flight attendants and 500 airport services personnel to work at its base at Dubai International Airport (DXB), the United Arab Emirates. The carrier expects to hire new staff over the next six months.