Emirates ups capacity to Chicago

Emirates is upgrading capacity on its Chicago service by replacing the B777-200LR aircraft that currently plies the route with a B777-300ER. The carrier said the change of aircraft, which is scheduled to take place on May 1, will result in an additional 88 economy class seats on each daily flight. The number of first class suites and business seats, eight and 42 respectively, will remain the same. To view a seatplan, click here. Emirates launched its Dubai to Chicago O'Hare route in August 2014 (see news, February 2014). Daily flight EK235 departs Dubai at 0940 and arrives in Chicago at 1530, while return flight EK236, leaves Chicago at 2030 and lands in Dubai at 1910 the next day. Emirates senior vice president Hubert Frach said: "Emirates has seen steady growth and strong customer demand for our Chicago route since its launch only five months ago. "The up-gauge to a Boeing 777-300ER in May will introduce Emirates’ unique product and service to even more of our customers." From February 1, Emirates is changing its fare types and to the amount of miles earned in its Emirates Skywards loyalty programme (see news, January 14). emirates.com Graham Smith