Emirates sets out plan to fly 70mn passengers in 2020

Emirates Airline said on Wednesday it expects to fly 70 million passengers in 2020, adding that it is already progressing on plans to ensure the right infrastructure are in place to support and capitalise on this growth.

The plans were unveiled by Emirates Airline president Tim Clark at a presentation to delegates of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), who were visiting the UAE to make their final decision on the host city for the World Expo 2020.

“By 2020, we will have more than 250 aircraft serving some 70 million passengers across six continents. It will make us the largest airline on the planet by international passenger traffic,” said Clark.

He added: “However, being the biggest airline in the world is not really the end goal. Our aim has always been to connect travellers from around the world to Dubai, and other destinations with just a single stop via our hub. The strategic location of Dubai makes it possible for us to serve almost 90 percent of the world’s population with non-stop flights.

“The leaders of Dubai recognised this from the onset, and that is why Emirates is investing in the most advanced long-haul aircraft, and why Dubai has invested over the years to develop its infrastructure for international commerce and tourism.”

Today, Emirates operates nearly 3,200 flights globally per week to 135 destinations in 76 countries.

Since January 2012, it has launched new services to 20 destinations, adding air transport connections that will benefit trade and tourism to Dubai and beyond.

Clark added: “Having the right equipment is important to our business model, but equally key to the mix is having the right ‘software’ – people and culture.”

With 50,000 staff from over 160 nationalities, Emirates is one of the largest multicultural organisations in the world.