Emirates turns 25

Boeing Senior VP for the Middle East, Central and South Asia Sales, Martin Bentrott, stated Emirates has grown since its formation 25 years ago to become a "world-class airline, often setting the industry standards and making prudent investments" (Gulf News/Khaleej Times, 25-Oct-2010). He added that Boeing shares an "excellent" relationship with Emirates which dates back to 1992. The value of Emirates' orders with Boeing, including leased aircraft, is USD20 billion at list prices. Emirates is celebrating its 25th anniversary today (25-Oct-2010) and has grown to an operation with 150 aircraft - and a further 204 on order - covering 105 destinations on six continents. The carrier has 49,950 employees and in 2009 handled 27.5 million passengers to/from Dubai International Airport.

Emirates: "Although we did have big aspirations for Emirates at the time, I could never have imagined the incredible success that followed the first flight to Karachi on 25th October 1985. In a short span, Emirates became a key player in the industry, with many in awe of how quickly we built and shaped this incredible entity. We have weathered the worst economic turmoil in decades, volatile fuel prices, global health pandemics, protectionist governments and their stunted state policies and regional conflict. Today, we are commemorating the birth of a global brand and an incredible journey of 25 years that began when the first flight of the first national airline of the UAE took to the skies. The air then seemed to be filled with excitement, spirit and hope, and these sentiments and energies continue to dominate Emirates' world today," Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO. Source: Gulf News, 25-Oct-2010.