A solid partnership

Dubai : Emirates, the biggest B777 operator with 86 aircraft, has $20 billion (Dh73 billion) worth of orders with the Boeing Company so far. In addition to the existing Boeing fleet, it has 48 Boeing aircraft on order.

"Since its formation 25 years ago, Emirates has become a world class airline, often setting the industry standards and making prudent investments," Martin Bentrott, Boeing's Senior Vice-President for the Middle East, Central and South Asia Sales, told Gulf News in an exclusive interview on the eve of the airline's 25th anniversary. "The capabilities that Emirates airline has built over the years are a gold standard for the industry today." Bentrott, who keeps a close watch on the region's aviation industry, spoke at length on Emirates' performance and how the airline has been defying the odds by growing despite the turmoil in the global aviation industry. Excerpts:

 Gulf News: How do you evaluate Emirates as a customer? How is Boeing's relationship with Emirates?

Martin Bentrott: Boeing shares an excellent relationship with Emirates Airlines that goes back to 1992, when it first placed an order for Boeing 777 airplanes. Since then we have seen Emirates grow into one of the world's leading airlines, whose capabilities are considered the gold standard for the aviation industry.

 If you rank all your customers in terms of Boeing airplanes in their fleet, where does Emirates stand?

Emirates airline is the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, having chosen the airplane to form the backbone of its fleet.

It operates a fleet of 86 airplanes, either directly purchased or leased. It is also the only airline in the world to operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the 777 Freighter, and has a further backlog of 48 airplanes on order. Emirates' decision to equip its fleet with 777s is a clear endorsement of the airplane's reliability, performance and operating economics.

 What is the total value of Emirates order of Boeing aircraft to date?

The total value of Emirates' orders with Boeing, including leased aircraft, is $20 billion at list prices.

 How many aircraft did Boeing supply to Emirates and how many are or order?

The Emirates fleet currently includes 86 Boeing 777s of various types, which have either been directly purchased or leased.

Emirates' freighter fleet comprises two 777Fs, one 747-400ERF and four 747-400F. The airline has an additional backlog of 48 777s, which includes an order for 30 777-300ERs placed at the Farnborough Air Show earlier this year.

 What do you think about how Emirates maintains its fleet?

Since its formation 25 years ago, Emirates has become a world class airline, often setting the industry standards and making prudent investments.

This is particularly true with its engineering unit, Emirates Engineering, which is a world class organisation. In fact, its state-of-the-art Engineering Centre in Dubai is one of the world's most advanced.

This high degree of commitment to quality and safety reflects the airline's uncompromising stance on fleet maintenance.

 How did Emirates influence Boeing's aircraft designs, especially the 777s?

Our customers are always a priority and at Boeing, we pride ourselves in our ability to deliver the products they want. The Boeing 777 is an excellent example of this: every day our customers, including Emirates, use their airplanes to fly passengers and cargo around the globe and the airplane continues its record of outstanding performance.

It is now the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane and Emirates has contributed significantly to the programme's success, both in becoming the world's largest 777 airline customer and through its continued feedback on quality improvements we've made to the airplane.

 Do you expect Emirates to work more closely with Boeing on future aircraft design?

As part of our efforts to deliver the right products at the right time, it is always important to listen to our customers and consider their requirements.

We already share a very close relationship with our partners at Emirates, as is reflected by their contribution to the 777 programme, and we have no doubt that this will continue in the future.

 How do you see Emirates' preference for the A350 XWB over the B787 Dreamliner?

Let's look at it this way. Boeing has had an unprecedented customer interest worldwide in the 787 and is confident of where we are in terms of continuing 787 customer acceptance. At the moment, the 787 Dreamliner has 847 orders.

The airplane will bring tremendous value to operators with superior economic performance and an unrivaled passenger experience. Emirates has an excellent fleet planning strategy and while the 787 may not be a part of its fleet currently, we hope that one day it will be.

 When it comes to aircraft utilisation, how do you rate Emirates? Is it over-using the aircraft?

The capabilities that Emirates airline has built over the years are a gold standard for the industry today.

It tops the list of ultra-long-haul operators, effectively leveraging the capabilities of its fleet to its advantage. For example, it uses the 777 to operate some of the world's longest scheduled flights, such as from Dubai to Los Angeles.

It has also increased the frequency of flights to key North American destinations using the same aircraft.

These are excellent examples of Emirates' ability to make the most of its aircraft to expand its global reach, which now includes over 100 destinations across five continents.

 How do you see Boeing's future relationship with Emirates?

Boeing shares a longstanding and fruitful partnership with Emirates and we have no doubt that this will continue in the future.

 On the 25th anniversary of Emirates, what is your message to the airline's employees and customers?

On the occasion of Emirates airline's 25th anniversary, Boeing would like to extend our congratulations to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice-Chairman, Tim Clark, President and the airline's staff. Since its formation, Emirates has charted one of the world's most amazing success stories in aviation and continues to build on its accomplishments. There is no doubt that Emirates will continue to exceed its achievements in the years to come and we wish the airline all the very best.

 Why do you think Emirates is so successful?

Emirates has emerged as a truly global force in the aviation industry. Its' unparalleled growth owes to the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the astute leadership of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive; the commitment to action of Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman and Tim Clark, President, Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata; and the unflagging enthusiasm and passion of Emirates' staff.