Emirates expands its South American horizons with launch of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires flights

Emirates’ inaugural Flight 247 made its first landing at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where it was initiated by a traditional water cannon salute.

The flight, operated by Argentine Captain Marcos Medina, then departed for its first onwards connection to Buenos Aires, where government and airport officials led by Enrique Meyer, the Argentinean Minister of Tourism, welcomed the Emirates VIP delegation headed by Thierry Antinori, executive vice president - passenger sales worldwide.

"This new linked service to two of the most economically vibrant cities in South America will not only boost trade ties with the UAE, but will also introduce travellers to Emirates' route network spanning points across the globe," said Antinori.

"Emirates will offer customers in Brazil and Argentina the most efficient and comfortable route to the Middle and Far East, including the airline's four destinations in China and two gateways in Japan, which are key trading partners for both countries," he added.

The daily Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires flight is operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering eight First Class private suites, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 seats in Economy Class.

(from left to right): Ruben E. Caro, Argentinean Ambassador; Thierry Antinori, executive vice president - passenger sales worldwide; Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, director, department of American and Pacific Affairs, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jamal Al Ghurair, managing director, Al Khaleej Sugar; Adnan Kazim divisional senior vice president, planning and research; Nigel Page, senior vice president, commercial operations, the Americas; and Mohammed Eissa Al Zaabi, UAE ambassador.