Tastes of Culture

The world’s eighth largest airline, Emirates Airlines is based in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since the company was founded in’85, it has grown to serve 92 destinations in 55 countries around the world. Although it does not offer domestic service, Emirates is nonetheless the leading air carrier of the Middle East and enjoys large market share in Southeast Asia. Emirates Airlines is one of only six carriers in the world to operate a fleet consisting entirely of wide-body aircraft built by Boeing and Airbus.

Emirates Airlines is unique among air carriers in that it has been consistently profitable. The company has only had one year it marked a loss. Moreover, sales growth has never fallen below 20 per cent a year. During its first eleven years, the company doubled in size every three and one-half years, and it has continued to double in size every four years since. Its efficient, lean workforce gives it all the advantages of a low-cost carrier. The airline is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization, founded in’65 by the Arab League as a regional airline trade organization. Open to any carrier based in any member state in the Arab League, the Arab Air Carriers Organization seeks to promote safety, quality, and cooperation among the airlines of the Arab nations.

The government in Dubai is both owner and operator of Emirates Airlines, but it does not invest money into the airline or manage its airfares. The UAE allows Emirates Airlines to function independently. This unique arrangement has worked quite well for both the airline and the government, as Emirates enjoys unmatched profitability and growth.

Emirates maintains a subsidiary for cargo transport, Emirates Skycargo. Likewise based in Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo is organized like a passenger airline. It flies nine jets, and also utilizes excess cargo capacity in the passenger fleet.

Emirates became only the second operator of the Airbus A380 when their first aircraft was delivered in July 2008. The Airbus A380 flies on these routes: Dubai-New York JFK, Dubai-London Heathrow, and Dubai-Sydney-Auckland.

Emirates flies to over 100 destinations in 56 countries on six continents from its primary hub in Dubai. While Emirates does not maintain sizable hubs elsewhere, it has taken advantage of agreements between Dubai and Australia, and with Singapore, to offer more onward connections from Sydney and Dubai.

Emirates passengers enjoy the perks of Skywards, allowing them to accumulate or spend frequent flier miles on Emirates or any of its Skywards partners, including Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Blue, South African Airways, Continental, Kingfisher, and United.

Emirates also maintains a stake in Dnata, the leading travel service provider in the Middle East. Dnata’ 6,500 employees provide technical, ramp, cargo, and passenger services at Dubai International Airport.

Dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, and Emirates Airlines are all subsidiaries of The Emirates Group, an international public holding company also with headquarters in Dubai. The airline currently employs about 35,000 staff.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for South Arica?s leading Flight comparison & Booking portal, which includes Emirates Airlines amongst others.