Emirates

Emirates is an airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It operates as a state-owned carrier owned by the Government of Dubai through the Investment Corporation of Dubai, and is chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The airline was founded in 1985 and began operations with two aircraft—a Boeing 737-300 and an Airbus A300B4-200—funded by the Dubai government.

Its primary hub is Dubai International Airport (DXB). Emirates operates a wide international network to six continents, serving more than 150 destinations. The airline maintains one of the world’s largest long-haul fleets, comprising Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, and is a leading operator of the Airbus A380.

Emirates is not a member of any global airline alliance. It maintains numerous codeshare agreements with other carriers and operates Emirates SkyCargo for air freight, reflecting a diverse network strategy that complements its passenger operations.

In-flight product and service are central to its brand, with a premium configuration that includes lie-flat seats in business class and, on A380 aircraft, onboard lounges. The airline is also known for its extensive in-flight entertainment system and passenger amenities, deployed across its wide-body fleet.

Economically, Emirates is a major contributor to the UAE, employing thousands of people and supporting international tourism and business travel. Its growth has been closely tied to Dubai’s development as a global aviation hub and tourism destination.