Agencies

Kuwait, May 25: United Airlines has announced plans to offer three weekly flights from Kuwait City to Washington DC from late October, adding the Middle East region to its strong global network.

Pending Kuwait government approval, United plans to begin service in late October 2006 and will be the only US airline to offer non-stop service between Kuwait and the United States. Customers will be able to make reservations beginning May 27, a statement said.

“Launching service to Kuwait further demonstrates our commitment to expanding our global network, bringing our passenger and cargo customers closer to the world's key economic centres," said John Tague, United's executive vice president and chief revenue officer.

"Our business and cargo customers will soon have direct access into the Middle East where there is strong demand from the petroleum, energy and shipping industries."

The proposed flight schedule between Kuwait City and Washington DC will be as follows:

Kuwait City to Washington-Dulles flight will depart at 12:35 a.m on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive at 6:27 am.

Washington-Dulles to Kuwait City flights will depart at  9:56 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrive at5:55 pm the following day.

United plans to operate a combined passenger and cargo service between Kuwait and US using a Boeing-777 aircraft configured with 10 United First Suite seats, 45 United Business seats and 198 United Economy class seats, including 84 Economy Plus seats.

United has had a long-standing presence in Kuwait through its partnership with Star Alliance partner, Lufthansa. United’s global network will now be enhanced through its proposed nonstop service, which will provide travellers and shippers with convenient connections to more than 90 destinations via its Washington-Dulles hub.