Emirates Global Reservations
About Emirates
Emirates began operations on October 25, 1985, launching its first flights from Dubai with a leased Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4. From the very beginning, our focus has been on quality rather than quantity. Over the years, growing from a modest regional presence into a globally influential travel and tourism conglomerate, we have built a reputation for high standards and excellence across all areas of our business.
Although wholly owned by the Government of Dubai, Emirates has achieved both growth and prestige through healthy competition rather than protectionism. Benefiting from Dubai's open skies policy, the number of international carriers continues to rise. We not only champion this policy but recognize it as vital for sustaining our own identity and competitive edge. Following its initial startup investment, the Government of Dubai recognized the importance of treating Emirates as a fully independent business, laying the groundwork for our ongoing success. The airline has reported annual profits every year since its third operational year. Operating a modern fleet of over 230 aircraft, we fly to more than 140 destinations across 80+ countries globally, and our network continues to expand.
In 2001, Emirates demonstrated its confidence in the industry's future growth by announcing the largest order in aviation history, valued at a total of 15 billion US dollars, incorporating an impressive mix of 58 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft into our rapidly growing fleet.
In November 2007, at the Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a historic civil aviation aircraft order, signing agreements valued at an estimated 34.9 billion US dollars at list prices for 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs. The agreement with Airbus comprised firm orders for 50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s, alongside options for 50 additional A350-900s. In 2010, aligned with its strategic growth plan, Emirates significantly increased its new aircraft orders, announcing contracts for 32 additional Airbus A380s at the Berlin Air Show in June and 30 more Boeing 777-300ERs at the Farnborough Airshow in July.
