The firm says Panama City will be its first gateway into Central America and that the service will be the world's longest non-stop flight. It will cover 8,588 mi (13,821 km).

The new service will operate between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Tocumen International Airport (PTY). Travelling westbound will take 17 hours 35 minutes, while an eastbound trip will last 15 hours 45 minutes. The distance is just longer than the 8,578-mi (13,805-km) Qantas service between Sydney and Dallas/Fort Worth that began last year and was the previous longest non-stop flight.

Emirates will operate daily flights using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft on which first, business and economy classes will be offered.