Dubai: Emirates operations contributed the equivalent of €6.8 billion (Dh27.9 billion) in gross domestic product (GDP) to the European economy in the 2013/2014 financial year, a study commissioned by the airline shows.
Emirates commissioned Frontier Economics, a London-based consultancy, to evaluate the airlines socio-economic impact in Europe. The findings of the study were released in a statement by Emirates on Tuesday.
The study evaluated Emirates’ contribution based on the 85,100 jobs in Europe the airline supported in 2013/2014 with its operations. Emirates’ financial year is from April 1 to March 31.
“In addition, Emirates’ Airbus A380 deliveries for the same period supported 41,000 jobs equivalent to €3.4 billion [in] GDP,” as per the statement.
Emirates flies to 28 cities in Europe and is the largest customer of the world’s biggest passenger plane, the European made A380. The airline has 140 of the aircraft type on order.
“By stimulating demand for travel and cargo, especially in markets underserved by other airlines, Emirates contributes to the economics of the communities we serve,” Tim Clark, Emirates president, said in a statement
Emirates has flown to Europe since 1987, when it launched direct services from Dubai to London’s Gatwick airport.
“Since then, we have witnessed growth based on demand and now operate over 350 passenger flights a week from Europe, providing global connectivity via our hub in Dubai,” Clark stated.
The study is one of a series commissioned by Emirates to highlight its contribution in different economies.
“The economic value this connectivity brings to the EU [European Union] is at times underappreciated, something that merits attention,” said Dan Elliot, founder and director of Frontier Economics.
