MMI is now 51% owned by Emirates, with the balance of the shares held by a number of Dubai-based business persons.

It was a year of exciting expansion for the company with the relaunch of Gulf Ventures, the inbound travel division, and the opening of Consumer Goods Distribution in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The on-line purchases system through MMI Beverages e-commerce web site has proved very successful resulting in US$3.6 million sales.

MMI’s Leisure Retail operation was further developed with the opening of three Costa coffee outlets in Dubai Internet City, Dubai City Tower II and Dubai Airline Centre. MMI Logistics were awarded the 2002 Dubai Duty Free Environment Award, and gained new business accounts from Unilever Arabia, Lipton Tea, Toys R Us and LG Electronics.

Procurement and Logistics department has been involved in negotiating contracts in excess of US$7 billion for aircraft and related equipment, including the new A380 Super Jumbo and engine contracts, as well as leasing contracts with ILFC and Singapore Aircraft Leasing. The department is also actively involved with contracts for the A340 cabin equipment such as inflight entertainment, seats and galleys.

Our Procurement Operations team manages the contracts at airports around our network for over 300 third party companies and processes contracts for a myriad different products that we carry on board in each aircraft from blankets to tooth paste. The department staff were trained in the use of e-procurement. Following this training, several auctions were released through tejari.com - the first B2B electronic market place in the Gulf.

Other highlights include:

• Long term contracts being put in place for supply of ground support equipment;
• A corporate decision to lease company vehicles instead of purchasing them
• A chauffeur drive service contract re-negotiated which offers better service for our First and Business Class passengers
• Two new buildings - the Al Fattan building and the new Dubai Airline Centre completed, furnished and made available for staff use.

Corporate Development continues to focus its activities in the Middle East region, Africa and the Asian subcontinent.

Implementation of Dnata’s ground handling project at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran is progressing well together with local Iranian partners.

Efforts are also directed towards the setting up of ground handling operations in Tripoli, Libya, together with the Civil Aviation of Libya as our partner.

The division continues to be actively involved in sourcing opportunities in the MIddle East, Africa and the Asian subcontinent. Projects of interest in countries like Bangladesh, India, Sudan and Djibouti are being evaluated.
The division has also supported Emirates Group Security division in structuring various security related projects as a part of Group Security’s expansion strategy.