The Past, Present and Future of Aviation in Dubai - Airport Business

24 The past, present and future of Dubai aviationBorn into Dubai’s Open Skiespolicy, Emirates has thrived oncompetition and now flies to109 destinations in 65 countries.Tim Clark, President and CEO,outlined how the airline hasachieved 25 years of growth andits strategy for future success.Emirates – 25years ofgrowthEmirates has an all wide-body fleet of 151aircraft, including 15 A380s, and an additional200 aircraft are currently on order.Emirates was born when a chequefrom His Highness Sheikh Mohammedto create an airline that wouldEmirates and the passenger loadquality and profitable global carrierbin Rashid Al Maktoum for US$10help create an inspiring modernfactor was an impressive 78.1%.connecting six continents throughmillion enabled the lease of twocity, snatched from the desert.”Clark explained that Emirates hasour efficient hub in Dubai. Weaircraft, and on 25 October 1985 theEmirates’ standing is so mucha well thought-out strategic planbelieve air travel will grow stronglyfirst flight to Karachi took off frommore than an airline. The companyfor the future. Each of the Airbusin the next decade, and withDubai Airport. “Some 25 years later,has evolved into a travel andand Boeing jets it has ordered hasmany major airports worldwidethrough sheer determination, Emiratestourism operation on a colossalbeen carefully planned for presentoperating at maximum capacity duehas established itself as one of thescale, straddling numerous divisionsand future network requirements.to constraints on expansion, theleading airlines in the world,” saidand propelled forward under the“Emirates is committed toA380 is key to our plans to meetClark. “In the last 25 years Emirates,umbrella of the Emirates Group.maintaining a young and modernincreasing passenger demand. Thealongside Dubai, has achieved whatThe airline has an all wide-bodyfleet, which enhances our passengers’777s also form the backbone of ourmany claimed was impossible. Underfleet of 151 aircraft, including 15comfort and safety and also makesfleet, and we have configured thesethe chairmanship of His HighnessA380s, and an additional 200our fleet one of the most eco-aircraft to give us maximum flexibilitySheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum,aircraft are currently on order. Inefficient in the skies,” said Clark.in terms of route deployment.”it is a story of collective wisdom,the 2009/10 financial year, some“Our strategy is to continueThe fleet comprises a numberforensic planning and the boldness27.5 million passengers flew withto progressively grow as a highof aircraft types, each with differentEmirates Terminal 3 has been an incredible success since it opened in 2008 thanksto the collaborative effort from all stakeholders. It is an invaluable asset for the airlineas it continues to leverage the airport to its full potential to fulfil its strategic plans.