Enhancing its premium travel offering, Emirates has now introduced a new fleet of 46 Mercedes E200 cars as a part of its Chauffeur-drive service for its First Class passengers, to and from Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International airport.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing international airlines, and Alaska Airlines announced today the launch of a new frequent flier partnership that will offer travelers the opportunity to accrue Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles when they fly to any of Emirates’ 118 destinations worldwide, including points across Africa, India and the Middle East.

In an initiative to support developing Iraqi business segments, Emirates has announced a 75 per-cent additional capacity increase between Dubai and Baghdad, growing its services to seven flights per week.

Emirates, which has been nominated for an astonishing 12 World Travel Awards including World’s Leading Airline, has launched its new Dublin route. It is the third new route to be added to Emirates’ route network in the opening days of 2012 as the airline forges forward with its global expansion.

Emirates has extended its South American network by linking Dubai with Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, further broadening the airline’s reach across the Americas. Emirates’ inaugural Flight 247 made its first landing at Galeao-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro (pictured), where it was initiated by a traditional water cannon salute.

Emirates is preparing to launch daily services to the 2014 FIFA World Cup host city from 3rd January 2012. The new direct service to Rio de Janeiro, with an onward extension to Buenos Aires, will provide seamless connections to Emirates’ network of more than 100 destinations worldwide.