Emirates, an Dubai based international airline, will begin offering non-stop service between Houston and Dubai on Dec. 3.
The flight will initially operate three times a week, increasing to a daily service beginning Feb. 1, 2008.

Currently, Dubai-based Emirates has three daily flights to Dubai from JFK Airport.

The new non-stop service from Houston further expands the airline's North American presence, adding a key component to its rapidly growing global route network by making service to Dubai easily accessible from the Southwest, West Coast and Midwest regions of the U.S.

Nigel Page, Emirate's senior vice president of commercial operations, says the non-stop service from Houston will provide Americans, especially business travelers, with shorter flight times to Dubai and many destinations beyond.

"A second hub within the U.S. is necessary and vital to Emirates growth," he says. "Houston has extremely important links with the Gulf."

On the Dubai-Houston route, Emirates' 777-200LR aircraft will offer in-flight amenities including eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and space for 216 passengers in economy class.

The Houston-Dubai service will be one of Emirates' longest flights at just over 15 hours flying time, while the return trip will be at least 17 hours flying time.

Emirates' global route network currently spans 87 cities in 59 countries across Africa, Europe, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and North America.