Emirates eyes Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia as fleet grows

Emirates is considering new US destinations, including Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia, as it prepares to take delivery of more efficient aircraft. President Tim Clark made the comments in an interview at the Routes World conference this week, according to The Points Guy. No launch dates have been given.

A long list of possible cities

The Points Guy reports that Clark described the list of potential markets as one that "goes on and on", with Denver (DEN), Detroit (DTW) and Philadelphia (PHL) named as options. He also said there are few cities in the world Emirates could not reach if it chose to.

The airline last added a US destination in 2021, when it launched Miami in place of Fort Lauderdale, according to Cirium schedules cited by the outlet. Its last entirely new US destination was Newark in 2017.

New aircraft widen the options

The number of cities Emirates can serve profitably from Dubai is expected to rise as it receives next-generation aircraft. The Points Guy says its order book includes more than 300 Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s and Boeing 777Xs, with options to convert some 777-9 orders to the smaller 777-8 or a possible larger 777-10.

Clark said Emirates expects its first 777-9s, with 300 to 400 seats, in 2027. The aircraft was originally due in 2020. He declined to discuss cabin plans beyond saying they will be "stylish, luxurious and cool".

Demand and the United link

Clark said that despite the conflicts involving Iran and the Houthis in Yemen, demand in Emirates' traditional segments remains strong. He cited Bangkok, saying flights to the Thai capital remain full, and said the airline is still profitable despite high jet fuel prices. IATA data cited by the outlet put kerosene at $4.58 per gallon in the week ending 16 October.

Emirates and United Airlines launched a codeshare and loyalty partnership in 2023, and United began Newark to Dubai flights as part of it. The Points Guy says United suspended that route in February after US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Clark did not mention United in his remarks on US growth, but the outlet notes Denver is the only United hub Emirates does not already serve. Readers can see how the two carriers compare in our United Airlines vs Emirates guide.

What this means for travellers

Nothing is confirmed: no routes, start dates or schedules have been announced, so there is nothing to book yet. If Emirates does add US cities, travellers from Thailand and elsewhere in South-East Asia could gain more one-stop options via Dubai, a network the outlet says already links North America with the region. Any new service looks tied to the arrival of the 777-9 and other new aircraft, with the first 777-9s expected in 2027. Travellers should also note that the regional conflicts and the suspended United Newark route show conditions can change quickly.

Sources: The Points Guy.