Emirates Airline Continues to Soar High at its 35th Anniversary
The flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Emirates Airline is a key airline bringing in tourists to Maldives from the Middle East and the Europe. They became one of the first airline operating to Maldives when the travel restriction was lifted. Currently, the airline operates 10 flights per week to Velana International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.
Yesterday, the renowned airlines celebrated 35 busy years at the sky.
Emirates Airline was founded on 25th March 1985, however, they commenced operations on 25th October 1985. At inception, they commenced international flight operations with merely two airplanes. The first international destination they had flown to was the capital city of Pakistan, Karachi with 133 passengers on-board. Since then, the airline has seen a phenomenal growth whilst simultaneously achieving remarkable strides throughout its years in service.
Accordingly, some highlights are as follows; in 1992, the airline became the first one to equip video systems in all seats within their fleet. On the same year, they established an exclusive building for its passengers at Dubai International Airport. The following year, they became the first airline to provide express communication services in all their aircraft for all three classes. When they reached their 10th Anniversary, they were operating flights to 34 destinations. In 2000, the became the first airline to express interest in the purchase of the newly introduced Airbus A380. They managed to dedicate an entire terminal at Dubai International Airport for the airline in 2008. In 2014, they were given the title of being the “Most Valuable Brand Among Airlines”.
This year they were voted as the 6th best airline. At present it is the world’s fourth largest airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometers flown and the second-largest in terms of freight tonne kilometers flown. In addition to this, they are also largest Airbus A380 operator worldwide counting 114 of these jumbo jets in their fleet.
(Cover Photo: Gulf News)