LAX to Dubai

Emirates Airline will become the first Gulf region carrier to fly to the West Coast when it launches daily service to LAX this fall. Just three months ago, the airline began flights out of Houston (JFK is the third U.S. destination). Emirates, looking to attract the high-ticket crowd, will configure a 777-200LR with eight First Class suites, 42 lie-flat Business Class seats, and 216 Economy Class seats. It's a 16½-hour flight going to Dubai and nearly 16 hours coming back. Here's the press release and here's the Avitation Week story. LAX has been looking to beef up its international service in advance of competing airports like SF and Vegas.