The first nonstop flight between Dubai and Houston touched down at George Bush Intercontinental Airport yesterday (Monday, December 3).

Emirates’ Boeing 777-200LR was carrying 266 passengers and landed in Texas to a water-cannon salute.

The three-times-weekly service will be based at Terminal D. Flyers have the option of lie-flat seats, and private First Class suites, on the specially designed aircraft. The service was originally announced in February, and, at the time, officials in Houston were keen to forge links between both cities’ business communities.

Bill White, Houston Mayor, commented: “As the energy capital of the world this is great news for Houston. Our energy-related businesses, and our growing Middle Eastern community, will now have a new and convenient air bridge to that vital part of the globe.”

Demand for the service is expected to be high, with Emirates due to add a daily flight between Dubai and Houston by February 2008.

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