Dubai-based Emirates will increase the passenger capacity on its Chicago route on May 1 when it switches from its Boeing 777-200LR currently operating the route to a larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Emirates launched its Chicago service—its ninth US gateway—August 5, 2014. Less than a year later, 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 per cent 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 chance 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,” Frach said.

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 777 fleet of 131 passenger and 12 freighter aircraft which contribute towards the airline’s overall fleet of 232 wide-bodied aircraft. – TradeArabia News Service