Emirates will be launching its first direct flight to Central America when it begins flying to Panama City’s from February 1, 2016.

The flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, which offers up to 15 tonnes of cargo capacity. According to Emirates, some of the freight expected to be carried on the flight include pharmaceuticals, iron and steel rods, machinery products and electronics. This will be the world’s longest non-stop flight, with a scheduled time of 17 hours and 35 minutes westbound.

“It is gratifying to see how diplomatic efforts focused on generating development and prosperity for Panama materialize,” said Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, vice president of the Republic of Panama. “New doors to the country will open with a direct connection to the Middle East – a strong and thriving region with great synergies to both Panama and Latin America.”

Eduardo Fonseca Ward, consul general of the Republic of Panama in Dubai, said that the new flight would connect Latin America with the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

“This link will generate a broader global network with countless commercial and cultural opportunities in the two regions,” said Ward. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Emirates team, who have shared the vision of Panama and Dubai as hubs of trade, prosperity and hope.”

Panama operates the two busiest container ports in Latin America – the ports of Balboa and Colón, connected by the Panama Canal. The canal itself is undergoing a major expansion project, with a new set of locks having been flooded at the end of June 2015. The project is expected to be complete in April 2016.

Details of the flight are shown below.