The success of Dubai is closely tied to the fortunes of Emirates — and the airline is set to achieve substantial growth in the years ahead. Emirates brings to Dubai the millions of people who keep its tourism, hospitality and retail industries, among others, growing steadily.
Its services are also an essential part of the sophisticated transport, logistics and communications infrastructure which have made Dubai a global financial and trade hub.
The revenue that the hugely profitable airline generates also contributes significantly to the income of Dubai. So, Emirates' planned expansion will provide a significant boost for the economy of Dubai. The airline estimates that it can realistically handle 100 million passengers a year, especially as Dubai's international terminals expand.
The airline is in the process of buying at least two new aircraft a month for the next 12 years, according to Sir Maurice Flanagan, executive vice-chairman of Emirates airline and Group, at a time when the international industry is struggling to cope with increased competition, high costs and low fares.
Even as Flanagan was detailing some of Emirates' expansion plans, Saudi Arabian budget carrier Sama Airlines discontinued its operations because of heavy losses. It is an indication of the strength of the business, its management and its workforce that the airline is able to thrive in difficult times for its industry.
Even with the planned increase in the number of aircraft it has in service, Emirates is convinced that there are many more destinations to which it can profitably fly if it had more capacity. Flanagan pointed out that Emirates can join any two points in the world even now, with one stop in Dubai.
The more destinations to which Emirates can fly, the more opportunities are open to the residents of Dubai — both at home and abroad.
