Emirates achieves 15-year milestone on San Francisco Route

Friday, December 15, 2023

Emirates, the world’s leading international airline and a key player in global trade connectivity, is delighted to announce the successful completion of 15 years of operations on its highly popular route to San Francisco, ranking among the top five in its global network for distance flown.

Since the commencement of services to San Francisco International Airport on December 15, 2008, Emirates has served over 3.4 million passengers through more than 9,900 flights on this route. Beyond passenger travel and tourism, the airline has facilitated the movement of over 44,000 tonnes of cargo, contributing significantly to trade by enabling the export and import of various commodities.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR a decade and a half ago, was recognized as the “world’s longest green flight” for its fuel-saving strategies coordinated with stakeholders along its 16-hour journey. The efficiency measures introduced at that time, including the innovative “drywash” technique for aircraft cleaning and minimal thrust on landing, have since become integral to Emirates’ operational practices, aligning with its commitment to reduce emissions.

The San Francisco route, initially served by a Boeing 777-200LR, transitioned to daily flights over the years to meet growing travel demand. In December 2014, it was upgraded to the flagship A380 aircraft, offering increased capacity and signature services. Recently, Premium Economy was introduced on daily flights, providing customers with more travel options.

The revamped Emirates A380 on the San Francisco route boasts a four-class configuration, including 56 Premium Economy seats featuring plush cream leather. This new cabin class emphasizes comfort, with generous recline, extra legroom, and an elevated dining experience.

San Francisco holds strategic importance for Emirates, connecting to key destinations in India, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa, Maldives, Egypt, and the airline’s hub city, Dubai. The route also serves as a vital link for travelers from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Jordan, Iran, and Bangladesh.

Emirates remains committed to supporting global trade, uplifting cargo from San Francisco to its extensive network. Emirates SkyCargo has played a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless transportation of goods, promoting exports, and driving economic development in the regions it serves.

As part of its “Fly Better” services, Emirates offers unparalleled comfort and connectivity to San Francisco passengers, featuring regionally inspired menus, award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels, and an exclusive lounge experience. The codeshare partnership with United further extends Emirates’ reach to various U.S. cities, including Las Vegas, Portland, Phoenix, and nine points in Mexico.

First Class and Business Class passengers flying from San Francisco enjoy exclusive chauffeur drive services and access to the Emirates Lounge, enhancing their pre-flight experience. Select Skywards members also benefit from lounge access, reflecting Emirates’ ongoing commitment to delivering world-class services to the vibrant city of San Francisco and beyond.

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