Emirates launched its first flights to Brazil this week, with a six-weekly service from Dubai to Sao Paulo. The route represents the first direct service between the Middle East and South America.

Flight EK261 departs Dubai at 1000 daily except Thursday, arriving in Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport at 1830, with the return leg leaving Brazil on flight EK262 at 0125, arriving in Dubai at 2305.

Emirates is servicing the route with its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which includes the carrier’s newest fully-flat beds in business class – the flight is configured for eight first class suites, 42 business class seats, and 216 economy seats.

The launch follows the carrier’s inauguration of its Dubai-Newcastle service last month, and precedes the Dubai-Houston route this December which will also feature the 777-200 product.

Business Traveller will be carrying out a full Tried and Tested review of the Dubai-Sao Paulo service later this month.

For more information visit emirates.com.

Report by Mark Caswell