The Flying Kangaroo will officially lose its bragging rights to having the world’s longest non-stop service when Emirates launches flights to Panama City in February next year.
Qantas has flown the ‘world’s longest route’ since it kicked off direct flights between Sydney and Dallas in 2011.
After a good five year run, the 16 hour non-stop trans-Pacific flight is about to be usurped by Emirates’ 17 hours and 35 minutes service from Dubai to Panama City.
Utilising the airline’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, the commercial service will see guests travel 13,821 kilometres without stopping – up from Qantas’ 13,804 kilometres.
Emirates’ 777 will fly the world’s longest route.
As well as being the airline’s (and the world’s) longest service, it’s also Emirates’ first destination gateway in Central America.
“[It] provides 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.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Airline CEO
EK251 will depart Dubai daily at 8.05am and arrive in Panama City at 16.40. The return flight EK252 will leave Panama City at 22.10 and arrive in Dubai at 22.55.
The Boeing 777-200LR is divided in a three-class layout – eight in First Class; 42 in Business; and 216 in Economy.
“This new direct flight between Dubai and Panama City will connect Latin America with the Middle East, Asia and Africa.”
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.”
Earlier this week, the Dubai-based airline confirmed it was working with Hollywood beauty, Jennifer Aniston, on a new global marketing campaign.