Today marks a monumental milestone as Emirates, the flagship carrier of the UAE, celebrates its 40th anniversary since its inaugural flight on October 25, 1985. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, hailed the airline’s journey as one marked by unstoppable ambition and extraordinary growth. What began with just two leased aircraft – a Boeing 737 to Karachi and an Airbus A300 to Mumbai, both wet-leased from Pakistan International Airlines has evolved into a global aviation powerhouse boasting a fleet of over 230 modern aircraft flying to 152 cities worldwide and serving more than 53 million passengers annually.Sheikh Hamdan described Emirates as more than just an airline, calling it “a bridge that connects people, cultures, and dreams.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Emirates leadership, especially Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, and the entire Emirates team, whose dedication has transformed Dubai into a global hub of connectivity and opportunity. The Crown Prince emphasized that the airline’s success is deeply intertwined with Dubai’s emergence as a leading international gateway.Echoing these sentiments, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, praised Emirates as “a national pride that has transported more than 860 million people across the world.” He highlighted that the carrier has been actively serving passengers across continents for the past four decades, underpinning its status as one of the world’s leading airlines.The story of Emirates is one of visionary ambition and resilience. Its fleet, averaging just over ten years in age, includes iconic Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, with more than 300 aircraft on order to sustain its growth trajectory. Notably, on the eve of the anniversary, Emirates showcased a retrofitted Boeing 777 equipped with Premium Economy cabins during a special event at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, marking the city as the airline’s very first international destination in 1985. This upgraded cabin reflects Emirates’ commitment to continuous innovation and enhanced passenger experience, catering to diverse traveler needs ranging from leisure and business to students.As Emirates forges ahead into its fifth decade, it remains a shining example of Emirati excellence and a symbol of Dubai’s global ambitions, connecting the world with unmatched service and pioneering spirit.
