Emirates Airlines began daily flights between Dublin and Dubai today, saying it believed the route would be profitable within six months based on bookings already made.
The airline says larger jets may be needed to meet passenger and freight demand.
Emirates president Tim Clark was on board today's first flight into Dublin and said what while it was coming at a testing time economically, the launch was "a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism".
Mr Clark said the new route connected Ireland to 100 destinations throughout the world. He said that, based on early bookings, flights were almost 90% full on aircraft that required only 60% occupancy to make money.
He said the Airbus A330 aircraft currently being used may have to be replaced by larger Boeings on the route.
Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar said he believed the new route could lead to "double-digit growth" in terms of visitors coming from Asia and Australia into Ireland.
