Emirates - 30 Years

SPECIAL REPORT

1985-2015

EMIRATES AT

OCTOBER 25, 2015

EmiratEs

30 YEars

Building a

global nEtwork

EmiratEs is thE fastEst growing airlinE in thE world » sadiq shaban

E

mirates airline has come a long way in the last 30 years. Launched in October 1985 with first flights to Karachi and Mumbai, Emirates is now one of the world’s biggest international carriers, flying to more than 140 destinations around the globe. The transition from a regional airline that started off with a leased Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4 to a global behemoth in terms of revenue has been truly spectacular.

Three decades on, Emirates has grown in both scale and stature. It is now the largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, fleet size and passengers carried.

Subsidiary of the Emirates Group, which is wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Emirates operates over 1,500 flights per week from Dubai International Airport. With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, it currently flies to more than 80 countries. As one of the most profitable airlines in the world, it announced its 27th consecutive year of profit earlier this year. Continuing to expand its global footprint and strengthen its business through

Three decades on, Emirates has grown in both scale and stature. It is now the largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, fleet size and passengers carried.

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InflIght entertaInment: the airline cheers your way to the destination.

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTOBER 25, 2015

strategic investments, the Emirates Group recorded its second highest profit of Dh5.5 billion. And it doesn’t end there.

Providing highest standards of quality, Emirates’ growth story has been closely followed in the aviation sector. The airlines created history in 2007 by announcing a historic civil aviation aircraft order for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated $34.9 billion at the Dubai Airshow. Three years later, in line with the airline’s strategic growth plan, Emirates significantly hiked its orders for new aircraft. During the Berlin Airshow, Emirates announced an order for 32 Airbus A380s. Subsequently at the Farnborough Airshow, 30 more Boeing 777-300ERs were added to the list, taking the combined value to a whopping $13.4 billion.

As its fleet began to modernise and expand, Emirates decided to spread its wings further. The airline operates four of the world's longest non-stop commercial flights from Dubai to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston. A new daily 16-hour direct flight to Orlando commenced last month. The new route is the airline’s 10th to the US, further boosting trade and cultural exchange between the two countries. More routes are being added in the months ahead. Emirates plans to launch the longest non-stop commercial flight in the world from Dubai to Panama City in February 2016.

In its endeavour to develop Dubai into a comprehensive and long haul aviation hub, Emirates has continuously led from the front. During the financial year 2013/2014, Emirates carried 44.5

taking wing: Emirates continues to lead from the front.

million passengers and 2.25 million tonnes of cargo.

Last month alone, the airlines saw 300,000 passengers travel out of the UAE during the Eid period, as travellers headed home or abroad for short holidays. More than 76,000 customers travelled on a single day — September 18 — with Emirates, according to the airline’s booking figures. The overall figure represented a staggering 65 per cent growth from last year.

Ranked among the top firms that place a huge value on corporate citizenship and social responsibility, Emirates sharply focuses on key issues like environment. The airline is actively involved with the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, a 225-square-kilometre natural reserve, in an effort to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The development of the National Park is another remarkable step taken by Emirates to protect the local ecosystem. Away from home, Emirates has created one of the world’s most eco-friendly conservation-based destinations in Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Australia.

Looking back at its achievements Emirates has become a brand that inspires awe. With a strong and stable leadership team, the airline is recognised around the world for its innovation, quality travel experience and various tourism services it offers.

Employing more than 62,000 people across 50 business units and associated firms, it is one of the biggest employers in the region. More importantly Emirates has become an icon — one that is instantly recognised with brand Dubai.

— sadiq@khaleejtimes.com

F ly i n g Fa c t s Emirates flies to more than 140 cities in 80 countries across six continents.

The airline has the distinction of being one of the top five airlines in the world in terms of international passengers carried.

The world's longest non-stop flight — Dubai to Panama City — will have a route of 8,700 miles that lasts 17 hours and 35 minutes.

Emirates is the world's largest operator of Boeing 777. It is the only airline to have operated every version of the aircraft.

Emirates SkyCargo contributes around 15 per cent to Emirates' transport revenue. In 2014-15, it carried a record 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, an increase of 6 per cent over the previous year.

saFety First: Emirates has an enviable safety record.

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTObER 25, 2015

05

EmiratEs

30 YEars

Airsecurity reigns high emirates uses a technically advanced reservation system to avert threats: Tim Clark » Bernd debusmann Jr.

sir tim clark, ceO

A

irlines and security professionals must work together to keep pace with ever-increasing threats to global aviation, Emirates CEO Sir Tim Clark said.

Speaking at an event in Dubai recently, Clark said that the threats to aviation have changed

06

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTOBER 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy: Dubai Airports

considerably – and become more dangerous – in the last decades.

“Hijackings of old pale in comparison to the destruction and devastation of September 11 (2001). If the threats have changed, then so must the management of these threats,” he said. “It is no longer adequate to rely on metal detectors to screen passengers, or X-rays to screen cargo, and assume that security has been enforced. Security must be technical, as well as tactical.”

In his remarks, Clark stressed that educating the public about security threats is a vital aspect of keeping aircraft and passengers safe.

“It is essential to reach out to the general public, which can be achieved via a public awareness programme,” he said. “Educating the general public about aviation security can have a positive effect on overall aviation security efficiency by achieving public compliance.”

Clark noted that while technology plays an important role in aviation security, the use of databases and other intelligence devices are important tools that can be used to prevent incidents.

“Screening, surveillance and access control systems play key, integral roles in aviation security,” he said. “But the real work starts before passengers and staff even arrive at the airport. It’s the back-end systems that help us to stay up-to-date with who is travelling through, or working at our airports.”

As an example, Clark noted that Emirates uses a “complex and technically advanced” reservation system including watch lists that contain travel and behavioural histories of passengers to help alert staff to potential problems. “These technologies help the industry to be more proactive in preventing unlawful interference,” he said.

Building lasting partnerships

OAG, A mArket leAder in distributiOn Of schedules, cOnGrAtulAtes emirAtes On its 30th AnniversAry

Looking ahead, Clark said that the most important factor is that Emirates and other actors involved in global aviation work together to implement safety measures across the entire industry.

“As an organisation, we need to realise that we cannot achieve the results and service levels that we want without working in partnership with other organisations across the system,” he said.

“Getting every stakeholder to develop security regimes that are practical and industry specific is vital.”

— bernd@khaleejtimes.com

For 80 years, OAG has been the market leader in the distribution of schedules to the world’s airline reservation systems. As part of its leading edge services to the industry, it has played a modest role in the success of Emirates — the growth of a truly global airline that today serves more than 140 destinations across every continent on the planet.

OAG receives schedule changes and adjustments from Emirates as it refines its schedules to bring customers the very best levels of service and connectivity through its excellent facilities in Dubai. From Emirates’ initial vision in 1985 and the original range of destinations served, OAG has proudly supported the development of the airline, ensuring new destinations and schedules are available to consumers the minute they are announced. It has been an incredibly successful journey and OAG is proud of its contribution to the success through its partnerships.

OAG is equally excited about the future ambition of Emirates to hold new groundbreaking records such as the longest schedule flight to Panama City, soon to be broken by the airline.

OAG congratulates Emirates and wishes them the very best success for the next 30 years.

EmiratEs

30 YEars

celebrating excellence: emirates has a strong leadership that cares for its employees.

a legacy built over three decades

FRom two leased aiRcRaFt to the youngest and most advanced Fleet, emiRates today is the blue-eyed boy oF the aviation sectoR exclusive to Emirates at Dubai International Airport.

1995

As the airline celebrates its 10th anniversary, it flies to 34 locations in the Middle East, Far East and Europe. In the same year, Emirates enters the African market and opens an Emirates Flight Training Centre in Dubai.

1985

1991

October 25 — Emirates takes wing. Flight EK600 departs Dubai International Airport for Karachi, Pakistan.

On its sixth anniversary Emirates flies 25,000 passengers a week to 23 destinations around the world.

1987

1992

Emirates allowed to fly into London’s Gatwick Airport, as well as Istanbul, Frankfurt and Male.

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Emirates becomes the first airline to install video systems throughout its fleet. The airlines also opens a $2 million terminal

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTOBER 25, 2015

1998

Emirates increases its capacity by 26 per cent as passenger figures grow to 3.7 million.

Voted the Best Airline in the World at OAG Awards. Emirates open the $540 million Terminal 2 at Dubai International.

1999

Passenger arrivals at Dubai International Airport hit the 11-million mark.

2001

Emirates SkyCargo Centre — with a capacity to handle 400,000 tonnes a year — opens.

The airline orders 15 A380s, eight A340-600s, three A330s and 25 Boeing 777s worth $15 billion.

2003

Emirates orders the biggest deal in civil aviation history — 71 aircraft at a cost of $19 billion (Paris Airshow). After carrying 8.5 million passengers, an increase of 26 per cent, the airline posts profits increase of 94 per cent to Dh907 million.

2004

Emirates makes its maiden flight to North America – a non-stop 14-hour flight to New York’s JFK Airport.

2005

Emirates passenger traffic rises to 12.5 million. The airline orders 42 Boeing 777s worth $9.7 billion — the largest Boeing 777 order in history.

Number oNe: From flight catering to cargo, Emirates is the undisputed leader in the industry.

2009

Emirates becomes the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777s with the delivery of its 78th B777 aircraft.

2007

Emirates signs contracts for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s and 12 Boeing 777-330ERs, worth $34.9 billion at the Dubai Airshow.

2008

T-3, an Emirates-dedicated terminal, opens at Dubai International Airport and within a month 500,000 passengers had flown out of the terminal.

Same year Emirates becomes the first international carrier to introduce an in-flight mobile phone service.

2010

Emirates celebrates its 25th anniversary with new routes to Madina (Saudi Arabia), Tokyo (Japan), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Prague (Czech Republic), Madrid (Spain) and Dakar (Senegal).

2011

Emirates places the largest

single order in Boeing’s history: 50 777-300 ER aircraft, worth $18 billion. The order also included 20 777-300 ER options valued at $8 billion. The Emirates Group posts a record profit of Dh5.9 billion ($1.6 billion) for the financial year.

2013

Emirates bags the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show. The airline was awarded the highly coveted ‘World’s Best Airline’ award, also lapping up awards for ‘Best Middle East Airline’ and ‘World’s Best Inflight Entertainment’.

2015

Emirates celebrates its 30th anniversary. Launches two new routes on September 1: Masshad, Iran (146th destination) and Orlando, US (147th).

— Compiled by Sadiq Shaban

EmiratEs

30 YEars

airbus a380

staying

Photo Courtesy: Dubai Airports

ahead, always emirates continually invests in the latest aircraft to offer an exemplary flying experience

» Deepa narwani

E

mirates is known to operate one of the youngest fleets in the world as they keep adding the latest aircraft to their existing line-up. Plus, regular upgrades to older planes enable them to feature state-of-the-art technologies and offer passengers a great flight experience. The airline is one of the largest operators of the Airbus A380, with 66 of them in its fleet. According to the latest reports, Emirates is in the process of phasing out older aircraft from its fleet including the older A330, A340, and the older b777. The airlines will have over 320 aircraft by 2018, and 400 aircraft in its fleet by 2020. Here is a look at the current fleet in operation.

airbus a380

In May 2010, the airline received its ninth A380 and as of July 2015, 60 are in service.

Thanks to the airline’s expanding network, the Emirates A380 currently flies on over 35 different routes across the globe.

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Emirates was the first airline to place an order for this superjumbo twin-deck, super fuel-efficient aircraft and was the second airline after Singapore Airlines to fly it. From private suites to shower spas in First Class to flat bed seats in business Class and extra leg room in Economy, along with in-flight WiFi throughout the aircraft, a journey on this aircraft is truly comfortable. In May 2010, the airline received its ninth A380 and as of July 2015, 60 are in service.

Thanks to the airline’s expanding network, the Emirates A380 currently flies on over 35 different routes across the globe. An environmentally advanced aircraft, it flies more passengers and burns less fuel.

Boeing 777-300er The airline has more than 100 boeing 777-300ERs in operation. Known to depart on time, the aircraft has the best fuel and cost efficiency in its class and the

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTObER 25, 2015

boeing 777-300er

highest cargo capacity of any passenger plane, making it a passenger favourite and the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world. It has become the model of choice especially for long haul flights thanks to its increased capacity. The first 777-300ER entered service around 2004-2005 and has been a tremendous success since then. Its distinguishing features include the largest-diameter turbofan engines of any aircraft, six wheels on each main landing gear, a circular fuselage cross-section, and a blade-shaped tail cone.

Boeing 777-200LR

Airbus A340-500

One of the world's most technologically advanced aircraft, Emirates received its first Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range) in 2007. It made its debut on the Dubai to Sao Paulo route, which was the first direct flight between the Middle East and South America.

On February 1, 2016, this aircraft will break records and fly the world's longest non-stop service, from Dubai to Panama City, which will take 17 hours and 35 minutes. It features lie-flat seat in Business Class and suites in First Class. The aircraft has the capacity to carry 266 passengers, with 216 in Economy, 42 in Business Class and eight in First Class.

Boeing 777-200LR

Airbus A330-200, A340-300 and A340-500 The aircraft is mostly used on short inter-Gulf flights as well as on the Indian subcontinent routes. These are the smallest aircraft in the fleet and were inducted in 1999. Currently, 21 of these are in operation. The aircraft is fitted with both 2 class and 3 class configurations and use RR Trent 772B engines. Emirates also operates A340-300, which is similar to the A330-200s, but with greater range.

Emirates also flies the ultra-long range passenger airliner A340-500 that was introduced in 2003.

Boeing 777-300, Boeing 777-200 and Emirates SkyCargo Introduced to the fleet in 1999, there are 12 Boeing 777-300 in operation currently. Whereas, there are eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft in 2 and 3 class configurations, all powered by Rolls Royce engines.

The aircraft joined the Emirates fleet in 1996.

Further, Emirates SkyCargo operates the Boeing 747-400ERF and 777F freighters.

One of the world's most technologically advanced aircraft, Emirates received its first Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range) in 2007.

It made its debut on Dubai to Sao Paulo route, which was the first direct flight between the Middle East and South America.

EmiratEs 5 times the population of the UAE

30 years of flying high A continuous story of success in numbers

1985-1986*

1994-1995

2004-2005

2.25

12.25

262,000

passengers

7

destinations

2014-2015

49.3

million passengers

million passengers

million passengers

destinations

34

destinations

76

destinations

in 29 countries

in 53 countries

in 81 countries

200 employees

144

19,956 employees

4,065 employees

56,725 employees

3

75

Dh2.7 bn

Dh19 bn

revenue

Emirates brand value

$6.6 billion 12

KHALEEJ TIMES | SPECIAL REPORT OCTObER 25, 2015

231

17

revenue

168

nationalities employed by group

Dh 96.6 bn revenue

24m

tonnes of cargo handled last year KHALEEJ TIMES GRAPHIC • SOURCE: EMIRATES ANNUAL REPORTS, *KT ARCHIVES

EmiratEs 30 YEars

ThE

airline of choice DuBAI RESIDEnTS ShARE ThEIR ExPERIEnCE WITh EMIRATES » Compiled by Deepa narwani mohammed saqib

rahul n.

“I don’t remember having a bad experience on any Emirates flights. Their service has always been excellent. My favourite part of the airline is their awesome ICE entertainment system that keeps me entertained throughout the journey.”

“I grew up here and for me Dubai and Emirates have been synonymous with each other. Both have achieved great heights and amazing feats.

Flying Emirates feels familiar and is always comfortable. If it’s not Emirates, the flying experience is not the same.”

Komal Chattwani

shruti shah

“Everything about Emirates is exceptional.

From delicious meals to the entertainment system that offers more channel choices than any other airlines, the carrier doesn't shy away from standing out. Plus, now you can also use Wi-Fi onboard, which makes travelling even more convenient. I can’t wait to board my next flight!”

“As a Dubai girl, Emirates has always been close to my heart and I would like to congratulate the hard-working team behind the airline on this momentous occasion.

Whether it’s a long or short haul flight, my experience with Emirates has always been up to the mark.”

shilpa s.

nikhil serai “I’ve had the chance to try out the Business Class in the A380 and had a fabulous time.

The seats were very comfy and the staff were friendly and attentive. Thanks to its connectivity and number of flights, Emirates has always been my preferred airline.”

anishka s.

“I would say flying Emirates is a stylish experience. Everything is swish and swanky and is a reflection of its hometown. Emirates is renowned to offer a positive travel experience to their customers in all classes of service and I believe that’s what keeps them at the top of the game.”

“Flying Emirates has always been a pleasurable experience. It is safe to say that even if you travel in Economy, you are treated here much better compared to other airlines.

As soon as you receive the hot towel to clean your hands, stretch out your legs, charge your phone with the USB port or put your headphones on to enjoy movies, you will definitely know that you are flying Emirates.”

nabeel mumtaz “Flying Emirates is totally worth it. The food is great, the entertainment is great and so is the service. There is nothing to complain about.

The best part is that the staff are incredibly welcoming and often go the extra mile to accommodate your every need.”

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