Emirates launched its new Chicago-to-Dubai nonstop route earlier this month with a Grand Ballroom gala at the Navy Pier, and Donna Cherry, CTO of I Fly First Class was there to help celebrate. As a leading luxury travel service, I Fly First Class is always delighted when a proven luxury airline extends its routes to the U.S., but Emirates' unparalleled service and amenities is of particular interest to the company.

"With our global economy expanding, travel between the U.S. and the Middle East is vital for hundreds of Midwest entrepreneurs and executives," said Donna with I Fly First Class. "We are excited to work with Emirates to deliver our clients to the Persian Gulf and beyond in the luxury of direct first and business class flights from or to Chicago."

The addition of the Emirates daily flights between Chicago and Dubai makes Chicago the second U.S. market to provide service from three major airlines based in the Middle East. Etihad entered the market in 2010 and Qatar Airlines began offering flights from Chicago to Doha in 2013.

"I Fly First Class clients require convenience, luxury and value, and Emirates' entry into the Chicago market gives us a terrific option to provide to our customers," said Donna. "Known for its award winning service and cabins, the Chicago-to-Dubai flights help our clients connect with their business interests in Dubai and 140 other global destinations."

Those flying Emirates' new nonstop route will enjoy first, business and economy class fares on the airline's spacious Boeing 777 aircraft. I Fly First Class has already added the new route to its offerings and is pleased to book its clients into Emirates' first and business class cabins.

These new nonstop routes consist of flight EK236, leaving O'Hare International Airport at 8:35 p.m. and arriving in Dubai at 7:10 p.m. aboard the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. Return flight, EK235, flies out of Dubai International Airport on alternate days at 9:45 a.m. and arrives in Chicago at 3:25 p.m.

At Emirates' launch gala, company executives announced that 85 percent of the company's flights for August were already booked.

Local dignitaries welcomed Emirates executives and the arrival of the very first Emirates flight to O'Hare International Airport on August 5 with plenty of fanfare. Continuing the celebration, the airline's August 6 gala attracted more than 500 travel industry executives, business leaders and VIPs to the event, including I Fly First Class' Donna Cherry.

Offering just a taste of the luxury Emirates' passengers can expect aboard the Chicaco-to-Dubai flight, the launch gala pulled out all the stops. Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha greeted Chicago Deputy Mayor Steven Koch and the other 500-plus guests to an evening full of sumptuous treats. For the cocktail reception, Emirates' acclaimed cabin crew staff offered guests everything from cool hand towels to succulent traditional dates, canapes and Arabic coffee. Once the Grand Ballroom opened, guests dined on poached lobster, fillet with roasted potatoes, vegetable medley and a selection of desserts. The apex of the evening was a concert by Grammy award winning artist Lionel Ritchie.

Julia Graft PR Manager
For more information about booking a flight from Chicago to Dubai aboard Emirates' premium cabins, contact I Fly First Class at (888) 347-7817 or visit its website at http://www.iflyfirstclass.com.