Emirates is most profitable airline: Posts record profits of Dh22.7b for 2024-25

Dubai: The Emirates Group, comprising Emirates airline and dnata, has announced a record-breaking profit before tax of Dh 22.7 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2025. This outstanding performance marks an 18 per cent increase from the previous year and positions the company as the “world's most profitable aviation group in the 2024-25 reporting period.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, commented on the results, stating that the Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geo-political and socio-economic challenges over the years.

Both verticals of the group’s business, Emirates airline and dnata, contributed record revenues during the financial year. The Group significantly expanded its operations around the world to meet growing consumer demand for travel.

The Group reported record revenue of Dh145.4 billion, up 6 per cent over last year’s results. It also posted a record level of cash assets at Dh53.4 billion, up 13 per cent from last year, and the highest-ever EBITDA of Dh42.2 billion, up 6 per cent.

Emirates airline itself achieved its best-ever result, becoming the world's most profitable airline with a record profit before tax of Dh21.2 billion, a substantial 20 per cent increase from the previous year. The airline's revenue also hit a record Dh127.9 billion, a 6 per cent increase. Emirates reported a highest-ever level of cash assets at Dh49.7 billion.

The Group has declared a dividend of Dh6.0 billion to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). After accounting for the 9 per cent UAE corporate tax, the Group's profit after tax stands at Dh20.5 billion.

‘We don’t take shortcuts’

Sheikh Ahmed said, it was “no accident” that Dubai produced hugely successful global aviation entities including Emirates and dnata, emphasizing, “We don’t cut corners, and we don’t take shortcuts that put our future at risk for short term gains.”

Sheikh Ahmed further highlighted, “For 2024-25, the Emirates Group has raised the bar to set new records for profit, revenue, and cash assets.” He explained that the ability of Emirates and dnata to move quickly to meet strong demand was thanks to "non-stop investments in our people, in building partnerships, and in delivering great products and services.”

The Group collectively invested Dh14.0 billion during the year in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and technology to support growth plans. The total workforce grew by 9 per cent to its largest size ever, reaching 121,223 employees.

Driving Emirates' individual performance, the airline's total passenger and cargo capacity grew by 4 per cent, recovering to near pre-pandemic levels. The airline carried 53.7 million passengers, a 3 per cent increase, with a seat factor of 78.9 per cent. Emirates SkyCargo transported 2.3 million tonnes of goods, up 7 per cent.

The Group's ground handling and catering subsidiary, dnata, also delivered a strong performance, reporting a record profit before tax of Dh1.6 billion, a 2 per cent increase. dnata's revenue rose by 10 per cent to a record Dh21.1 billion, driven by increased activity across its global operations.

Commenting on future outlook, Sheikh Ahmed said, "We enter the year ahead with excitement and optimism." He said that while some markets are jittery about trade and travel restrictions, "volatility is not new in our industry. We simply adapt and navigate around these challenges."

Emirates plans to strengthen its network connectivity with the expected delivery of 16 A350s and 4 Boeing 777 freighters in 2025-26, "providing much-needed capacity to meet customer demand."

"Our retrofit programme will continue apace to provide our customers the latest Emirates products and a more consistent experience across our A380, 777 and A350 fleet," he added.

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