Emirates (airline) facts for kids
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| Founded | 25 March 1985 |
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| Commenced operations | 25 October 1985 |
| Hubs | Dubai International Airport |
| Frequent-flyer program | Emirates Skywards |
| Subsidiaries |
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| Fleet size | 261 |
| Destinations | 144 |
| Parent company | The Emirates Group |
| Headquarters | Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Key people | |
| Revenue |  US$ 32.6 billion (March 2023) |
| Net income | US$ 3.2 billion (March 2023) |
| Employees | 108,996 (30 September 2023) |
Emirates is a major airline from the United Arab Emirates. It is based in Dubai and is part of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai. Emirates is the biggest airline in the Middle East. It flies over 3,600 times a week from its main hub at Dubai International Airport.
Emirates flies to more than 150 cities in 80 countries. It uses a large fleet of nearly 300 aircraft. The airline also has a special cargo division called Emirates SkyCargo that handles freight. Emirates is one of the world's largest airlines for both passengers and cargo.
Contents
A Brief History of Emirates
Emirates started in March 1985. The ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, supported its creation. The goal was to launch an airline quickly and make it successful without government money. Pakistan International Airlines helped by providing the first two aircraft and training for the cabin crew.
The airline was founded by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is still its chairman today. Emirates grew very fast in its early years. It quickly added more planes and flew to more places. In October 2008, Emirates moved all its flights at Dubai International Airport to a special building called Terminal 3.
Emirates uses a mix of Airbus and Boeing planes. These are all large, wide-body aircraft. As of December 2023, Emirates has the most Airbus A380 planes in the world, with 123 of them. The Airbus A380 is a very big plane, and it's important for Emirates' long flights. Emirates also has the most Boeing 777 planes, with 133 in service.
During the Gulf War, Emirates was one of the few airlines that kept flying. This helped the airline grow even more. In the 2000s, Emirates ordered many new planes, including the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380. It also started its frequent flyer program called Skywards. The airline has continued to expand its network, connecting people from all over the world through Dubai.
How Emirates is Managed
Emirates is part of The Emirates Group, which belongs to the Dubai government. The airline has made a profit almost every year since it started. Its growth has been very strong, often increasing by 20% or more each year.
The Dubai government owns Emirates completely. However, the government does not put new money into the airline or tell it how to operate. Emirates pays money back to the government each year because of its profits.
Team and Jobs at Emirates
Emirates has grown into many different areas related to travel. This includes airport services, engineering, food catering, and tour operations. The company employs a large number of people. As of March 2020, Emirates had nearly 60,000 staff members. This included cabin crew, pilots, engineers, and other workers.
Emirates offers good benefits to its employees. This includes health plans and paid time off for maternity or sickness. The airline also shares profits with its employees.
Caring for the Environment
Emirates says its planes are very fuel-efficient. This means they use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than some other airlines. In 2023, the airline announced it would invest $200 million over three years. This money will go towards research to find ways to reduce fossil fuels in airplanes. They want to find new fuel and energy solutions for flying.
Emirates Branding and Look
Emirates has used different slogans in its advertising over the years. Some past slogans include "Fly Emirates. Keep Discovering" and "Hello Tomorrow." Currently, their slogan is "Fly Better."
In 2008, Emirates introduced new uniforms for its staff. The uniforms include a special hat, red details on skirts, and more fitted blouses. Male flight attendants wear a chocolate brown suit.
The look of Emirates planes has changed over time. Since 1985, the tail fins have shown a part of the United Arab Emirates flag. The engines have the Emirates logo in Arabic writing. The word "Emirates" is on the side of the plane in both Arabic and English. In 1999, the design was updated. The English logo became larger and moved to the front of the plane. The flag on the tailfin also looked more flowing.
In 2022, Emirates released two famous commercials. They showed a flight attendant standing on top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The woman was actually a trained stuntwoman. These ads promoted travel and the Expo 2020 event.
Emirates Sponsorships
Emirates sponsors many different things around the world.
Buildings and Structures
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From 2011 to 2022, Emirates sponsored the Emirates Air Line cable car in London. This cable car goes over the River Thames.
Since 2015, Emirates has sponsored the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, England. It is now called the "Emirates Spinnaker Tower."
Cricket
Emirates sponsors many cricket teams and events. Its logo is on the shirts of international cricket umpires. Emirates has also been a partner of the International Cricket Council, which organizes major cricket tournaments like the Cricket World Cup.
Emirates sponsors several cricket grounds and teams in England and India.
Football
Emirates used to sponsor FIFA and the FIFA World Cup. However, they stopped this sponsorship in 2015.
Emirates is a main shirt sponsor for many famous football clubs around the world. These include:
- Arsenal (England)
- AC Milan (Italy)
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- Benfica (Portugal)
- Olympique Lyonnais (France)
- Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia)
- New York Cosmos (USA)
Emirates also sponsors the FA Cup and the Emirates Cup. They also have naming rights for Arsenal's home ground, the Emirates Stadium.
Other Sports
Emirates sponsors many other sports, including:
- Rugby League: Warrington Wolves (England)
- Rugby Union: Lions (South Africa) and USA Rugby
- Basketball: Since 2024, Emirates is the official airline of the National Basketball Association (NBA). They also have naming rights for the NBA Cup.
- Horse Racing: Dubai International Racing Carnival, and used to sponsor the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
- Showjumping: Major events like the CSI5* Emirates Airline Dubai Grand Prix.
- Tennis: The Australian Open and French Open, and the US Open Series.
- Sailing: Emirates Team New Zealand, winners of the 35th America's Cup.
- Formula One (F1): Was the official airline sponsor from 2013 to 2022.
- Australian Rules Football: Collingwood Football Club.
- Major League Soccer: FC Dallas.
- Major League Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Cycling: UAE Team Emirates, a UCI World Tour Cycling Team.
Famous Faces for Emirates
In 2015, actress Jennifer Aniston appeared in commercials for Emirates. Since 2023, actress Penélope Cruz has been the main face for the airline's brand.
Expo 2020
Emirates was a main partner for the Expo 2020 event in Dubai. To celebrate, Emirates painted some of its planes in special colors. These colors represented the themes of the event: Opportunity, Sustainability, and Mobility.
Where Emirates Flies
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Emirates operates many flights every week. It flies to over 150 places in more than 70 countries across six continents. Its main base is in Dubai.
Working with Other Airlines
Emirates works with other airlines through special agreements. However, it is not part of any of the three big global airline groups like Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance. Emirates prefers to stay independent.
Emirates has agreements to share flights (called codeshare agreements) with many airlines. This means you can book a flight with Emirates, but part of your journey might be on a partner airline's plane. Some of these partners include:
- Air Canada
- Air Malta
- Air Mauritius
- airBaltic
- Airlink
- Azul Brazilian Airlines
- Bangkok Airways
- Batik Air
- Batik Air Malaysia
- China Southern Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- flydubai
- Garuda Indonesia
- Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
- Gulf Air
- Japan Airlines
- Jetstar
- Jetstar Asia
- Korean Air
- LATAM Brasil
- Qantas
- Royal Air Maroc
- S7 Airlines
- SNCF (railway)
- SpiceJet
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways International
- Trenitalia (railway)
- Tunisair
- Uganda Airlines
- United Airlines
- WestJet
Emirates Divisions
Emirates SkyCargo
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Emirates SkyCargo is the part of Emirates that handles cargo. It started in 1985, the same year Emirates began flying passengers. In 2001, it started using its own cargo planes. SkyCargo flies to special cargo-only destinations, as well as many places on the regular Emirates passenger network. It uses Boeing 777 Freighters. During the 2020 pandemic, SkyCargo also used passenger planes to carry more cargo.
Emirates Executive
Emirates Executive started in 2013. It offers private flights for companies and individuals. It uses one special Airbus ACJ319 business jet. This jet can carry 19 people and has private suites, a lounge, a dining area, and even bathrooms with showers.
Emirates Aircraft Fleet
As of July 2023, Emirates has 249 passenger planes and 11 cargo planes. Emirates has the largest fleet of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft in the world. The only small plane they have is the A319 executive jet. Emirates has not used small, narrow-body planes for regular passenger flights since 1995.
Emirates has ordered many new planes for the future. This includes a large number of Boeing 777X aircraft. They have also ordered Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Emirates received its last Airbus A380 in December 2021. This marked the end of the A380 production by Airbus.
The Look of Emirates Planes
First Design (1985–1999)
The first design for Emirates planes was similar to the second one. The name "Emirates" was written in a different style and was smaller. It was placed above the windows, followed by the Arabic name. All planes with this first design were either repainted or no longer used by 2005.
Second Design (1999–2023)
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The second design was introduced in November 1999. It featured the UAE flag on the tail and a white body. The golden word "Emirates" was painted on the upper part of the plane. This design was put on all Emirates planes by 2005. The Arabic name was still there, but smaller. The golden Arabic logo was also on the engines. In 2005, the word "Emirates" was added in red on the belly of the plane.
Current Design (2023–Present)
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On March 16, 2023, Emirates showed off its newest plane design. The UAE flag on the tailfin now looks more dynamic and has a 3D effect. The wingtips are painted red, with the white Arabic Emirates logo visible. Passengers looking out the window can see the UAE flag colors on the wingtips. The airline's website address was removed from the design. The word "Emirates" is now bolder and larger than before.
What it's Like to Fly with Emirates
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Inside the Plane
Emirates planes have different sections for passengers: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
- First Class
First Class offers very private spaces. Some suites are fully enclosed with doors that go from floor to ceiling. Others have doors that close but don't reach the ceiling. Both types of suites have a mini-bar, a coat rack, and storage. They also have large screens for entertainment. The seats can turn into a comfortable, flat bed.
On the Airbus A380, First Class also has two bathrooms with showers and a spa. First Class passengers can also use a special bar and lounge area. Emirates introduced new First Class suites on its Boeing 777-300ER planes in 2017. These suites have virtual windows and a tablet to control lights and order service.
- Business Class
Business Class seats on Boeing 777 planes can recline into angled lie-flat beds. They have a massage function, privacy screens, and individual reading lights. Passengers get power outlets, USB ports, and a large HD TV screen for entertainment.
On the Airbus A380, Business Class seats become fully flat beds. They also have personal mini-bars. Business Class passengers can use an on-board bar at the back of the plane.
- Premium Economy Class
Emirates introduced a new Premium Economy cabin in December 2020. The seats are designed for extra comfort. They offer more legroom and can recline further. All seats have a 13.3-inch entertainment screen. Currently, some Airbus A380 planes have this new cabin. Emirates plans to add Premium Economy to more of its older Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 planes.
- Economy Class
Emirates Economy Class seats offer good legroom. They have adjustable headrests and an in-flight entertainment system with many channels. Newer planes also have power outlets for laptops. On the Airbus A380, Economy Class seats offer extra recline.
Food and Drinks
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The food on Emirates flights from Dubai is prepared by Emirates Flight Catering. This is one of the biggest airline catering facilities in the world. Emirates offers special meal options for different diets or religious needs. These meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before the flight. All meals follow Halal food rules. Emirates is also building a huge indoor farm to grow fresh greens for its flights.
In-flight Entertainment
Emirates was one of the first airlines to offer personal entertainment systems on planes in 1992. All three classes on Emirates planes have a personal entertainment system. There are two main types: ICE and ICE Digital Widescreen.
In 2012, Emirates added larger, high-definition screens. These new screens are the first to be fully high definition. In Economy Class, they are the largest screens offered by any airline.
About the ICE System
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ICE stands for information, communication, and entertainment. It was launched in 2003. Most flights now offer 4,000 channels to all passengers. ICE is available on Emirates' Airbus A380-800, Boeing 777-200LR, and Boeing 777-300ER planes.
In 2015, Emirates updated its ICE system to the eX3 version. This new system has better controls, bigger screens, and new charging ports. It offers about 3,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, and games. You can watch them on demand in many languages. ICE has won many awards for its in-flight entertainment.
- Information
The ICE system connects to BBC News for live updates. It also has a moving map that shows where the plane is flying. Passengers can even see outside the plane using cameras during takeoff, flight, and landing. Emirates was also one of the first airlines to offer high-speed internet and live international TV on its flights.
- Communication
ICE allows passengers to send and receive emails for a small fee. There's also a chat service to talk to other passengers on the plane. Since 2008, you can even use your mobile phone to call or text people on the ground while flying.
- Entertainment
The ICE system has a huge selection of movies, music, and video games. It offers over 600 movies and more than 2,000 TV channels. There are also over 1,000 hours of music and more than 100 video games. You can access ICE in over 40 languages. All entertainment options can be paused, fast-forwarded, and rewound.
How Emirates Operates
Emirates has become a global airline. This means it offers flights that connect many parts of the world through Dubai. This allows travelers to fly between places like Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia by changing planes in Dubai.
Some other airlines have said that Emirates gets special help from the Dubai government. However, Emirates says it operates independently and makes its own profits. They also point out that other airlines have received government help in different ways. Emirates has been profitable for many years.
Emirates also competes with other big airlines in the Middle East, like Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
Accidents and Incidents
Emirates has had some aircraft incidents, but no passengers or crew have died in them.
- On April 9, 2004, an Airbus A340-300 had problems during takeoff from Johannesburg. It went off the runway and was damaged. The plane returned safely, but the braking system was affected.
- On March 20, 2009, an Airbus A340-500 from Melbourne failed to take off correctly. It hit some structures at the end of the runway but was able to return for a safe landing.
- On August 3, 2016, Emirates Flight 521, a Boeing 777-300, crash-landed and caught fire at Dubai International Airport. All 282 passengers and 18 crew survived with only minor injuries. Sadly, an airport firefighter died while putting out the fire. The plane was destroyed. This is the only time an Emirates plane has been completely lost.
- On December 20, 2021, Emirates Flight 231, a Boeing 777-300ER, almost went off the runway during takeoff from Dubai. It flew very low over houses near the airport. The plane was not damaged, and no one was hurt.
- On July 1, 2022, Emirates Flight 430, an Airbus A380-800, had a tire burst during its flight from Dubai to Brisbane. This caused some damage to the plane's outer cover. The plane landed safely, and no one was injured.
Images for kids
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Emirates logo
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A now-retired Emirates Airbus A300-600R painted in the airline's first livery
See also
In Spanish: Emirates para niños
- Etihad Airways
- Dubai International Airport
- Emirates Flight Training Academy
- List of airlines of the United Arab Emirates
- List of airports in the United Arab Emirates
