Emirates charts new skies with fleet and network expansion

KUALA LUMPUR: Emirates, the flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates, is committed to expanding its fleet and network to meet the growing demand of global travellers.

At the recent Dubai Airshow 2023, the airline placed an order for 90 Boeing 777X aircraft, which will further expand its existing fleet and fulfil orders for this wide-body aircraft.

In addition to the777x order, Emirates also acquired five additional 787 Dreamliners, while its sister airline flyDubai placed its first-ever long-haul order for 30 of the same aircraft type.

According to Emirates, "The expansion, including the introduction of the Boeing 777X aircraft, underlines Emirates' confidence in the future of the UAE aviation sector and is in line with Dubai's strategy to become a global aviation hub".

The airline currently offers more than 1.3 million seats per week and operates nearly 3,080 weekly departures across its extensive network. With a fleet that includes Boeing 777s and more than 90 Airbus A380s, Emirates is well equipped to meet the growing demand for air travel.

Emirates is also looking forward to the delivery of the Airbus A350 in late summer 2024. The airline said: "This addition to the fleet will open doors to new markets, with a focus on secondary points not previously served.

In a strategic move, Emirates has launched a major two-year retrofit programme for 120 aircraft, investing billions to upgrade cabin interiors and introduce the latest Premium Economy seats. This initiative underlines the airline's commitment to providing an enhanced in-flight experience for years to come.

Emirates has also introduced innovative initiatives such as Emirates Holidays, which offers curated travel packages.

Launched in Malaysia in August 2022, the service offers a one-stop, tailor-made holiday experience that includes flights, hotel accommodation and local activities.

Emirates' partnership with Malaysia has flourished since its inception in October 1996. With 21 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, including its flagship A380 service, Emirates remains committed to enriching the travel experience for Malaysians.

Emirates' commitment to global connectivity is further exemplified by its recent codeshare agreement with Batik Air Malaysia.

"This collaboration allows Emirates' customers seamless access to five domestic Malaysian cities and three regional Southeast Asian points operated by Batik Air via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)," said Emirates.

Separately, Emirates SkyCargo, the airline's air cargo division, plays a key role in facilitating trade between Malaysia and the rest of the world. With three daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, Emirates SkyCargo provides exporters and importers with nearly 700 tonnes of cargo capacity every week, helping to strengthen Malaysia's economic ties with global markets.

For background, Emirates reported a record profit of AED10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion) for the 2022-23 financial year with revenues increased by a remarkable 81% over the previous year to reach AED 119.8 billion (US$ 32.6 billion).