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EMIRATES gave the birthplace of the tango a dazzling turn of its own, as the airline prepared to launch flights to Buenos Aires from January 3, 2012. The President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, was among more than 800 guests from local industries, the travel trade and the government, who gathered for a gala dinner event at Centro Costa Salguero to discover more about one of the world's most successful airlines. Guests also had the opportunity to experience elements of Emirates' flagship A380 aircraft, with a replica First Class Private Suite on display. Passenger Sales Worldwide executive vice president Thierry Antinori said: "Emirates' first destination in Argentina is a significant next step as the airline looks to broaden its reach across the Americas. In joining Emirates' network of more than 100 cities worldwide, Buenos Aires will enjoy a new bridge to the world; one that spans from key trading partners in the Far East to important markets in the Gulf. "As well as attracting new trade and investment into Argentina, Emirates will play an important part in supporting the country's US$4.9 billion tourism industry, introducing new audiences to Buenos Aires and drawing in visitors from far-flung points across the globe," said Mr Antinori. Emirates has officially opened its brand new Buenos Aires office. Arab Argentine Chamber of Commerce director Walid Al Kaddour said: "Emirates' new service to Buenos Aires will accelerate the trade ties which have grown between the United Arab Emirates and Argentina in recent years. "Despite the challenges of the global economic downturn, the value of goods Argentina exports to the UAE has risen by over 40 per cent since 2006, totalling over US$270 million in 2010. With a direct air link between the two countries, we fully expect this growth pattern to continue," Mr Al Kaddour said. Emirates will offer customers in Argentina the most efficient and comfortable route to the Middle and Far East, including the airline's four gateways in China, now a key trading partner for Argentina accounting for over nine per cent of all exports. The flight will also help to promote growing interest among Asian capital investors in Argentine industries such as mining, oil and gas production and textiles. Emirates' Buenos Aires flight will be a linked service with Rio de Janeiro, meaning that customers in South America can now travel between the two cities in unprecedented style and comfort. The Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering eight First Class Private Suites, 42 lie-flat beds in Business and 304 seats in Economy