Emirates One Day World Sale - Thursday Only

We don't see huge discounts from Emirates too often, so this is definitely a deal worth looking into: For one day only - Thursday June 4, 2009, receive $100 off any destination Emirates Airlines flies from the United States, including flights from San Francisco. Best of all, there is no time restriction as to when you must fly by! Discount will automatically apply to all fares purchased at emirates.com/usa. 

Emirates Launches San Francisco Service Today

The inaugural flight between San Francisco and Dubai will also go down in the books as the world's longest green flight trial

At 3:45 PM today, Emirates Airlines will launch nonstop service between San Francisco and Dubai. The 16-hour flight will, at least initially, operate three times a week utilizing brand new Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, featuring luxurious private suites in First Class, lie-flat seats in Business Class, and generous space for Economy Class guests. 

But today's flight is much more than the debut of a top notch premium airline. The flight from SFO later today is also a trial to launch a new environmental program to execute the world's longest green journey. Simply put, it means rolling out the most environmentally-sophisticated route and trip possible to save an estimated 2,000 gallons of fuel and 30,000 pounds of carbon emissions. 

Specifically, today's inaugural flight will demonstrate many fuel and emission saving measures including:

• The new 777-200LR will be specially washed beforehand to minimize drag.
• A pre-planned priority departure route out of Dubai will provide an unimpeded climb through to cruise altitude, allowing the aircraft to reach its optimum cruise altitude as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• The aircraft will track close to the North Pole following extensive work by Emirates and aircraft manufacturers to open this new routing. 
• Flexible routings will be pursued over Canadian airspace.
• The FAA and San Francisco Air Traffic Control will seek to offer optimal routings for arrival and if possible a continuous descent approach to minimize fuel burn.
• All on-board glass, newspapers, aluminium and paper will be collecting for recycling.

Passengers traveling through San Francisco Airport today will have an opportunity to see the new Emirates aircraft parked at the International terminal. The scheduled arrival time from Dubai is 1pm. Immediately following the arrival, local media will attend a press conference on the new service and best practices in Eco-efficient air travel. 

For more information on Emirates and the world's longest green flight, visit www.emirates.com.

Also Read: "Emirates Airlines' flying to S.F raises issues" -SFGate

Register for the 'Dubai is the Prize' Sweepstakes

Complete this form for a chance to win a magical trip for two to Dubai, courtesy of Emirates Airlines. According to the sweepstakes rules, you must register by November 18, 2008.

Dubai Takes Construction Sky High; World's Largest Tower

Despite being incomplete, the Burj Dubai or Dubai Tower, is now the tallest man made structure in the world standing currently at 2,257 ft with 160 floors. Budgeted at US$4.1billion, the tower is part of an overall revitalization of downtown Dubai.

With an interior designed by Giorgio Armani, the Burj Dubai will also have the first of four Armani Hotels which will occupy 37 floors of the structure.

Emirates Reduction In Flight Schedule at SFO

Due to the Boeing machinist strike, Emirates Airlines, which has already delayed the San Francisco to Dubai launch, will limit frequency to 3 days a week between the two cities, rather than the previously scheduled daily service. According to airline route updates blog, the route will be operated by a 777-200LR.