DUBAI, U.A.E., 13 August 2015:
Emirates, a global connector of people, places and economies, today announced
its plans to launch services to Panama City, beginning 1 February, 2016. The
new service will be the longest non-stop flight in the world (17 hours 35
minutes in the westbound direction) and will be Emirates’ first gatewaydestination in Central America.
Service to Panama City,
Panama’s capital and largest city by population, will commence with a daily
flight operated by a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft in a 3-class layout - 8 in
First, 42 in Business, and 216 in Economy. The aircraft can carry up to 15
tonnes of cargo. Key imports to the country include pharmaceuticals, machinery
products, iron/steel rods, and electronics. Service to Panama City will operate
through Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Both a vibrant metropolis and
gateway to tropical destinations, Panama City is also the economic and
financial centre of the country with the major industries being international
banking, commerce, and tourism. Ideally located between North and South
America, as well as the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama City has developed
an unrivalled transportation and communication network. It operates two of the
busiest ports in Latin America, including the Colon Free Trade Zone - the
world's second largest free trade zone.
Additionally, the ongoing
expansion of the Panama Canal has helped contribute to Panama’s economic growth
in recent years.
“Panama City will be our first
destination gateway in Central America, providing a convenient option for our
passengers travelling from or through our global hub in Dubai and onward to
destinations throughout Central America, the Caribbean and the northern part of
South America,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman
and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. “We’re also pleased to be
the only commercial airline to offer a daily, First Class service to travelers
on what will be the world’s longest non-stop flight.”
"It is gratifying to see
how diplomatic efforts focused on generating development and prosperity for
Panama materialise," said Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Vice President of
the Republic of Panama. “New doors to the country will open with a direct
connection to the Middle East - a strong and thriving region with great
synergies to both Panama and Latin America.”
“This new direct flight between Dubai and Panama City will connect Latin America with the Middle East,
Asia and Africa,” explained Eduardo Fonseca Ward, Consul General of the
Republic of Panama, in Dubai. “This link will generate a broader global network
with countless commercial and cultural opportunities for the two regions. It
has been a pleasure to work with the Emirates team, who have shared the vision
of Panama and Dubai as hubs of trade, prosperity and hope.”
Later this year, Emirates will
be adding 4 additional routes to its global network including Mashhad, Iran and
Orlando in September; Bamako, Mali in October; and Bologna in November.
Service to Panama City to
begin on 1 February 2016
Emirates flight EK251 will
depart Dubai at 8.05am and arrive in Panama City at 4.40pm daily. The return
flight EK252 will leave Panama City at 10.10pm, arriving in Dubai at 10.55pm
the next day.