Dubai
Emirates airline said it will “cooperate fully” with Chinese authorities after the Dubai-based carrier was fined 29,000 yuan ($4,270) and barred from expanding its operations in China for six months.
Emirates was fined and barred from expanding by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for two incidents that violated air-safety norms including flying at the wrong altitude.
In the first instance on April 17, Emirates flew at a wrong altitude above Urumqi in Xinjiang after Emirates’ crew misunderstood instructions. In the second, on May 18, the carrier’s radio communications were cut off over the same region, according to CAAC.
In a statement, an Emirates spokesperson said safety was a top priority for the airline, and that the carrier will complete all actions required by CAAC.
“Emirates will never compromise on the safety of our passengers and crew. Emirates fully complies with the CAAC’s requirements on all our flight operations to China. Regarding the specific incidents on April 17, 2017, and on May 18, 2017, Emirates will cooperate fully with the CAAC and complete all actions recommended by the authority,” the spokesperson said.
Regional officials from CAAC met with representatives from Emirates to review operations, and brief the airline on the probe and plans for improvement, the Chinese regulator said in a statement on its website.
The measures are part of efforts to improve safety over airspace by the Chinese regulator, which said this week it has “zero tolerance” for violations.
The fine and six-month ban on expansion are not expected to have a significant impact on Emirates’ growth plans or finances, though.
“This won’t materially damage Emirates’ growth plans for China because at this time of year, Europe and other parts of Asia area traditionally very strong revenue generators. Even with the tempering of some US routes (after Emirates cut down on flights to America), this is offset with other, more robust market segments, and in six months’ time, Emirates can push ahead with its planning for more Chinese destinations,” said Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research.
According to Emirates’ latest financial statement for 2016-2017, Europe was the highest revenue contributing region with Dh23.9 billion in revenues. East Asia and Australasia followed, with Dh22.6 billion in revenues.
— With additional inputs from Bloomberg
