Emirates Airline Never Used as Bargaining Chip in Dubai Funding Talks

Strategic Insights -

Dubai's flagship carrier, Emirates Airline, was never discussed as a potential bargaining chip in funding talks with Abu Dhabi, the airline's chairman revealed. Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stressed that Dubai's prized assets, including Emirates, were never on the table. The airline's significant contributions to Dubai's economy, valued at around 40 billion UAE dirhams ($10.89 billion) annually, were highlighted as a key factor in the emirate's success story.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emirates Airline was never considered as a bargaining chip in Dubai's funding talks with Abu Dhabi, according to Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
  • The airline contributed indirectly 40 billion UAE dirhams ($10.89 billion) to Dubai's economy in 2010, making it a crucial factor in the emirate's success.
  • Emirates operates a fleet of nearly 150 wide-body aircraft, including eight A380s, and has orders worth $55 billion with Airbus and Boeing.
  • The airline expects to receive seven more A380s by March 2011, further expanding its fleet.
  • Sheik Ahmed did not rule out the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) for Emirates, citing potential support from the UAE stock markets.

Statistics:

  • Emirates Airline contributes 40 billion UAE dirhams ($10.89 billion) to Dubai's economy annually.
  • The airline operates a fleet of nearly 150 wide-body aircraft, including eight A380s.
  • Emirates has orders worth $55 billion with Airbus and Boeing.
  • Seven more A380s are expected to be delivered to the airline by March 2011.
  • The airline employs over 32,000 people in Dubai.

Sources:

  • Zawya Dow Jones: Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline and President of Dubai's Supreme Fiscal Committee, interview on Wednesday.