Newlyweds can win a dream honeymoon in the Maldives by visiting the Dnata Holidays stand this week at The Bride Show 2006.

Lucky newlyweds can start their married life with a free honeymoon in the Maldives. Dnata Holidays, the specialist leisure division of Dnata Travel, is making its debut at Dubai’s annual Bride Show this week with a showcase of exclusive honeymoon packages to romantic destinations - and a chance for newlyweds to win a dream honeymoon at luxurious resorts in the Maldives.

A leading sponsor of The Bride Show 2006, which runs from 4th-7th April, Dnata Holidays is using the annual exhibition to promote its variety of honeymoon packages to exotic destinations.

Nick Sheppard, Manager Dnata Holidays, said: “Newlyweds want to enjoy a memorable honeymoon at great destinations, and our packages offer a stress-free start to married life with tailored holidays created to individual requirements by our experienced travel consultants.

He added: “We’re delighted to have a major presence for the first time at this important exhibition, which attracts couples looking for the very best products to complete their marriage plans.” 

With Dnata Holidays’ range of exclusive honeymoon packages, couples can choose to laze on idyllic beaches of the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and the Maldives; experience breathtaking Alpine mountain landscapes of Switzerland’s glamorous Interlaken ski resort; waltz on the banks of the Danube in historic Vienna; soak up the sun and surf of Australia’s Gold Coast; and of course, enjoy a blissful introduction to married life in Paris – the city of romance.

Visitors to the Dnata Holidays stand at The Bride Show also have the chance to win two nights at each of the exclusive Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili hotel resorts in the Maldives by completing a questionnaire for a prize draw, which will be drawn on the last day of the show.

As well as special honeymoon packages available for The Bride Show,  Dnata Holidays has developed a range of offers for 17 summer destinations this year – Australia, New Zealand, Austria, France, Switzerland, the UK, the Maldives, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, India, the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The Holiday Lounge at Dnata Travel Centre on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road is staffed by experienced travel consultants who can provide detailed attention to specific customer requests, for peace of mind and the perfect start to a holiday.

Vacations begin with Dnata Holidays’ friendly travel professionals at The Holiday Lounge, who can be contacted at (04) 316 6160 or by email at: theholidaylounge@dnata.com 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Gary Chapman, Emirates President Group Services and Dnata (right) and Naz Nizari, Senior Vice President Galileo Emirates, are pictured prior to the signing ceremony that saw many of Galileo Emirates' main travel partners further cement their commitment to Galileo Emirates products and management.

Galileo Emirates cemented its successful partnerships with several of the UAE’s leading travel agents with a contract signing ceremony in Dubai yesterday.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, officiated at the gala event at the Grosvenor House Hotel where Galileo Emirates’ principal agencies signed exclusive participation agreements with the company.

Signings were made between His Highness Sheikh Ahmed and the 30 travel agency managers and their local sponsors which included Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid Sultan, President, Orient Travel & Touring Agency L.L.C., and Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi, Chairman of Liberty Investment Company and President of Sharjah National Travel & Tourist Agency.

On behalf of the Emirates Group, Gary Chapman, President Emirates Group Services and Dnata, spoke of the company’s investment in technology that helps to keep them ahead of the competition: “In today’s competitive times, your loyalty holds great value for us. We believe your support is matched by our investment in products, technology and services that will ensure that we remain the number one choice for the industry. We are fortunate that our industry is growing at such a rapid pace as this offers us all the opportunity to strengthen and grow our business.”

Naz Nizari, Senior Vice President Galileo Emirates, praised the strength of commitment between Galileo Emirates and its partner agencies:  " The industry has faced challenges during the past few years, but our partners businesses have remained successful and they are still leaders in the travel industry. Our partners have remained committed to Galileo Emirates and we are proud to work with them all now and in the future.”

Galileo Emirates, a division of the Emirates Group, is the National Distribution Company for the Galileo Global Distribution System in the UAE, Gulf, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Galileo is used by travel agents in more than 100 countries worldwide for reservations and information.

With so many of the UAE’s leading travel agents committing to Galileo Emirates, the company is hoping to consolidate on its position as a major contributor to the travel industry in the UAE and wider region.

Ismail Ali Albanna, Executive Vice President, Dnata (right) and Stephen Stocks, Product Communications Manager, Mercator, with their companies’ awards at the Air Transport World 2006 Advertising Awards ceremony in Singapore.

Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, is gearing up to play an active role in the development of Dubai’s Central Business Districts, through its sponsorship of the Dubai Forum for Sustainable Urban Development.

Besides being the official sponsor, the Dubai-based airline, whose growth and success is interlinked to that of Dubai, will also bring some of the world’s leading Urban Planning experts to the emirate for its first-ever conference on the subject.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Emirates is pleased to facilitate and bring together specialists from all corners of the world who will share their knowledge and International Best Practices for solving Dubai’s urban planning issues and rehabilitating its central business districts.”

He added: “This sponsorship represents yet another contribution of Emirates towards realising the government’s vision of turning Dubai into a world-class city.”

The Dubai Forum for Sustainable Urban Development, organised in co-operation with the American University of Dubai, is scheduled to be held under the auspices of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality. It will take place at the Grand Hyatt from 18th to 20th March.

Patrick Naef, Emirates' Senior Vice President IT, signed a deal yesterday with Eleni Kaloyirou, Cyprus Airways' Chief Financial Officer, for Mercator to supply Cyprus Airways with its Revenue Accounting Bureau Service, a passenger revenue accounting system.

Cyprus Airways has outsourced its passenger revenue accounting operation to Mercator, the Dubai-based IT division of the Emirates Group.

Mercator’s Revenue Accounting Bureau Service, based on its industry leading RAPID solution, converts the data printed on airline tickets into the detailed financial and strategic information an airline needs to compete effectively.

Cyprus Airways will enjoy significant business benefits, supporting its continued development as the flag carrier of Cyprus. Revenue will be maximised through accurate billing and verification, accounting costs will be reduced, productivity will be enhanced and training costs eliminated.

Eleni Kaloyirou, Cyprus Airways’ Chief Financial Officer, said: "After exhaustively reviewing a range of revenue accounting solutions, Mercator’s Bureau Service came out as the clear winner in terms of features, functionality and pricing. That combined with their proven excellent service made our decision an easy one.

“Now we will send our data to Mercator's dedicated Bureau Service data centre, and be assured of fast and accurate management information giving an invaluable contribution to our future strategy.”

The ISO9001 certified Bureau Service will eliminate the need for expensive hardware and software at Cyprus Airways. It offers an extensive range of revenue accounting features such as data capture, proration, accounting, auditing, reconciliation, reporting and interline billing.

According to Patrick Naef, Emirates Group’s Senior Vice-President IT: “Our revenue accounting solutions have proved to be real winners, and we now count more than 25 major airlines around the world as customers.

“Cyprus Airways will soon be taking full advantage of the unique benefits that our outsourcing solution offers. They will be able to simply pass their ticketing data to our state-of-the-art data centres here in Dubai, and can rest assured that our professionals will take care of the rest.”

Mercator’s service already supports Emirates, Olympic Airways, Valuair, Virgin Nigeria and Air Tahiti Nui. It is managed by IT, financial and airline experts with unrivalled experience, and the company has recently become a founder member of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals.

Customers for other Mercator financial solutions include Air Malawi, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Pacific, Air Zimbabwe, Avianca, British Airways, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Malaysia Airlines, MEA, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan, Syrian, TACA, Varig and Yemenia.

Traditional dancers from Kuala Lumpur’s Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture) are pictured at the Dnata launch event with (left to right): Kazim A. Fattah, Manager Government Travel Services Dnata; Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil, Director, Tourism Malaysia; and Majid Al Mulla, Manager, Dnata World Travel.

The exotic charms of Malaysia are being showcased throughout the month of March at The Holiday Lounge in Dnata Travel Centre, as Dnata Holidays promotes Malaysia as its Destination of the Month.

The month-long promotion was given a colourful launch with displays of traditional dancing by a dance troupe especially flown in from Malaysia’s Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture) in Kuala Lumpur.

And giving the Dnata celebration an official stamp of approval was Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil, Director, Tourism Malaysia, Dubai, which flew in the dance troupe.

Throughout March, The Holiday Lounge will be decked out with displays on Malaysia’s many attractions, including extensive literature, and destination videos played on The Holiday Lounge’s plasma screens.

Travellers seeking information on Malaysia’s tourism treasures and Dnata’s special offers can pick up a brochure, research the destination at The Holiday Lounge travel library, or simply ask a Dnata Holidays professional travel advisor.

Nick Sheppard, Manager Dnata Holidays & Events, said: “We have worked closely with Tourism Malaysia and industry partners such as airlines and hotels to arrange attractive packages to Kuala Lumpur, the Genting Highlands, Penang and Langkawi, for bookings made in March.”

He added: “Customers can choose from a range of options, including self-drive holidays, and can select their accommodation from a range of hotels.”

Syed Muhadzir Jamallulil, Director, Tourism Malaysia, Dubai said: “We’re very pleased that Dnata is working with us to promote Malaysia with a such a wide variety of holiday packages reflecting the diversity of our country’s attractions.” 

One special Malaysian offer for March is a seven days/six nights package in Kuala Lumpur and on the resort island of Langkawi, starting at AED 3,400 per person on a twin sharing basis, including return economy airfares from Dubai, six night’s hotel accommodation, and airport transfers in Malaysia.

For more details on travel packages to Malaysia, visit The Holiday Lounge at Dnata Travel Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road; contact one of Dnata's experienced travel consultants at (04) 316 6160 or email: theholidaylounge@dnata.com.  

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Group (third left) is pictured at a meeting to discuss the new ICAO MCP course with (left to right): Jalal Haider, Regional Director ICAO; Mohammed Elamiri, Director Air Transport Bureau, ICAO; Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group Security, and Zack Zainal, Manager Security, Facilities & Training, Emirates Group Security.

The first International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Management Certified Programme (MCP) course to be held in Dubai has been launched by Transguard Education Academy, the commercial academic arm of Emirates Group Security.
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The MCP course, regarded as one of the most prestigious courses in aviation security, aims to develop management skills and aviation security knowledge. The first classroom session of the 12-week course, coordinated and supported by Transguard Education Academy, was held recently at Emirates Aviation College with 14 participants from seven countries.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Group, said: “The MCP course is a shining example of an effective management course in aviation security which improves management practices. We are delighted to bring this course to Dubai for the first time.”

The course, administered by academics from Concordia University of the U.S.A and ICAO practitioners, has participants from Australia, Lebanon, Nigeria, Mauritius, Singapore, Yemen and the UAE. It comprises two weeks of classroom sessions, separated by 10 weeks of distance learning.

Jalal Haider, Regional Director ICAO, said: “The relationship between ICAO and Transguard Education Academy in conducting this course will help improve educational and professional development opportunities for the industry at a regional level. We hope this course is the first of many involving Transguard and ICAO.”

Transguard Education Academy has worked closely with ICAO and Concordia University to bring the MCP course to Dubai and will pursue initiatives to make the course a permanent part of its programme, enabling further development of curricula based on international understanding of security studies.

Transguard, Emirates Group’s security services provider, offers ground-handling of high-value cargo for all airlines at Dubai International Airport, as well as state-of-the-art, reliable and cost-effective security solutions of an international standard to most of the premier banks operating in the region.

Jean Pierre L. De Pauw, Senior Vice President Dnata Cargo (second left) and K.K. Jaganathan, Vice President, Cargo Operations, Dnata Cargo (third left) receive the KLM Certificate of Appreciation from Manvir Singh Kochhar, Regional Sales Manager, KLM (left), and Rumi Dassenaieka, KLM Manager, Operations (right).

Dnata Cargo, the handling operator of Dubai’s air cargo terminals, has received official commendation from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, one of the world’s longest-established airlines, for providing consistently outstanding terminal handling services during 2005.

Manvir Singh Kochhar, KLM’s Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Jean Pierre L. De Pauw, Dnata Cargo Senior Vice President, and K.K. Jaganathan, Vice President, Cargo Operations.

Rumi Dassenaieka, Manager, Operations KLM said: “The commendation was a result of  Dnata Cargo successfully  meeting five  parameters set by KLM as part of our performance measuring system focussed on efficiency in  documentation, cargo handling, and on-time service delivery.” 

He added: “KLM also recognised the Dnata Cargo team’s flexibility, often going beyond the call of duty in rendering services.” 

Accepting the Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Dnata Cargo, Senior Vice President Jean Pierre L. De Pauw said: “We are delighted to receive this accolade from KLM, one of our prominent customers, as confirmation of our efforts in delivering top-class service.

“We are proud of our team for their commitment and professionalism in meeting the expectations of our customers - this recognition is most gratifying for Dnata Cargo." 

KLM began operations through Dubai in the early 1970s and since then has nurtured a long-standing relationship with Dnata Cargo. The airline currently operates 16 regular B747 freighters a month from Dubai, connecting Amsterdam, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Freighters arriving from the Far East with Amsterdam-bound cargo land in Dubai for fuelling and crew change and, if space is available, joining cargo is uplifted by Dnata Cargo. These freighters carry some 200 tonnes of cargo into Dubai. This is in addition to the 600 tonnes of exports and 400 tonnes of imports in belly load with KLM’s 48 MD11 Dubai passenger frequencies per month. Currently with 12 flights a week, this number of flights is due to double daily with the introduction of KLM’s Boeing 777 in March 2006.

Dnata Cargo is the leading air freight handling company in the Middle East region. It operates the 25,000 square-metre main air cargo terminal at the Dubai Cargo Village, providing total cargo handling services to more than 110 airlines operating through Dubai, and to more than 1,000 Dubai-based agents.

Dnata Cargo also operates another cargo terminal - the 19,000 square metre Free Zone Logistics Centre (FLC) in Dubai airport's Free Zone area, mainly dedicated to charter operators, providing a flexible, alternative pricing and service package. A third terminal, in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, known as FACT (Free Zone Air Cargo Terminal) serves more than 2,800 Free Zone companies.

The FLC-III, a fully automated facility under construction, will be able to handle an additional 300,000 tonnes of cargo, as well as offering more than 10,000 square metres of supporting office space for airlines and agents providing premium services to freighter operators.

Dishes created by Jumeirah chefs for Emirates’ premier cabins are shown on display at one of the many tasting and testing sessions that were held as the final dishes were gradually selected.

March, passengers in First and Business Class will be able to enjoy meals on board created exclusively for Emirates by elite chefs from Jumeirah hotels.

Passengers on routes to selected destinations in Europe, East Asia, USA and Australasia will find a starter, main and dessert course created by a world class chef on their menus.

Emirates and Jumeirah have joined forces to bring Emirates’ First and Business Class passengers a range of superb meals on board. The Guest Chefs programme will run for 12 months, starting 1st March 2006, and involve chefs from nine different Jumeirah hotels. These are the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Bab al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Carlton Tower London, Jumeirah Essex House New York and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel London.

Each month, a different chef will create the delicious dishes for Emirates’ premier passengers. The starter, main and dessert options from the Guest Chef will be indicated on the First and Business Class menus by a small chef’s hat icon.

Chef Leslie Stronach, the Resort Executive Chef at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, is the Guest Chef for outbound flights from Dubai for the month of March. Chef Leslie has over 20 years’ experience and has gained world recognition in a career spent in Australia, South Africa, China, the Philippines, Malaysia and the Middle East.

Emirates passengers on selected flights inbound to Dubai during the month of March will enjoy delectable meals created by Chef Jean Paul Naquin, Executive Chef of Burj Al Arab. With a career spanning 25 years, spent in some of Asia’s top hotels and resorts, Chef Jean Paul promises to deliver a dining experience that is as exceptional and luxurious as the Burj Al Arab itself.

Emirates Catering prides itself on attention to detail, preparing consistently delicious meals and providing excellent customer service. 

Saif Ali Al Shehhi, General Manager – Domestic Banking Division, NBAD (second left) shakes hands with Dr. Abdulla Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Security, at the contract signing ceremony, with (left) Abdulla Ghobash, Regional Manager, N.E. NBAD; and Rabie Atie, Manager Sales & Marketing, Transguard.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the largest and No. 1 bank in the UAE, has selected Transguard, Emirates Group’s security services provider, to provide cash collection, processing and replenishment of the bank’s extensive network of automated teller machines (ATMs) in the UAE.

Transguard will also provide NBAD with full banking support services, including general ledger balancing, audit trials and ATM reconciliation. The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at NBAD’s head office in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Group Security said: “We are very pleased that NBAD has selected Transguard for its cash services and banking support services, and we look forward to fully delivering on their requirements.” 

He added: “Transguard is one of the few providers of such specialised services for the region’s banking and financial sector, and we pride ourselves on operating to the highest global standards in security and cash services. This contract win is an endorsement of the efficiency and reliability of our services.” 

Saif Ali Al Shehhi, NBAD General Manager - Domestic Banking Division, said: “Customer service is of paramount importance to us, that is why NBAD has invested in its branches and ATM network in the UAE. To provide our customers with distinguished services, we require our suppliers to demonstrate capability to deliver to our exacting standards: reliability and efficiency is the key.

He added: “Transguard is unquestionably capable of meeting our stringent criteria and I am delighted to enter into this agreement with them.”

Under the agreement, Transguard will make cash collections from NBAD’s corporate customers and transport the cash using armoured vehicles. Transguard has highly-trained staff at its state-of-the-art currency management centre to facilitate this process accurately and speedily.

Emirates’ Slick Chicks celebrate their victory (female category) at the 1500 kms, 26-hour Go-Kart race with Terry Daly, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Service Delivery. From L to R: Naydean Reader, Stephanie Catteau (team caption), Veronica Fox, Terry Daly, Suki Du-Preez, Rachel Bett, Rona Newton and Sabina Hearsum (bottom centre) 

Emirates’ Slick Chicks beat Search for a Star to win top honours (female category) at the 1500 kms, 26-hour  Go-Kart race held at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend.

The all-female Emirates cabin crew team led by Captain Stephanie Catteau put up an excellent performance in the third and final race of the Karting Endurance Championship.

Sabina Hearsum held the distinction of clocking the fastest ever lap time – one minute and 12.5 seconds - for the Emirates team, as well as racing for three hours and 20 minutes with just one pit stop.

The race saw amateurs and committed karting enthusiasts compete against each another for the top slot, as they raced through the entire night and day.

The high adrenalin competition which had a total of 15 participating teams also included an all-male Emirates cabin crew team, Jet Stream which stood fourth at yesterday’s race. 

Emirates Holidays, the largest wholesale tour operator in the Gulf and Middle East, is celebrating rapid expansion of its innovative TradeNet all-in-one online quotation system during the last 18 months, throughout key markets in the Middle East and Asia.

Initially launched in April 2004 to just 20 travel agents in the UAE, TradeNet is now used by over 4,000 agents in more than 35 countries throughout the Middle East and Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Hong Kong.

TradeNet provides them with speedy quotations, convenient flight and hotel reservations, tailor-made holidays, package quotations, and direct communications with Emirates Holidays - all at their fingertips.

The TradeNet roll-out included a roadshow of seminars and presentations to more than 250 travel agents in various markets, as well as presentations to 400 agents invited to the Emirates Holidays 2005 Brochure Launch in Dubai.

Kevin Arnold, Manager Emirates Holidays (Middle East, Africa & Indian Ocean) said: “TradeNet has proved to be a big hit with travel agents. They appreciate its easy-to-use online facilities, which avoid telephone bottlenecks and provide fast, accurate data on availability and price updates on specific Emirates Holidays services.”

Shushant Gupte, Business Systems Manager, Emirates Holidays added: “TradeNet makes it even easier for travel agents to provide their clients with all-inclusive holiday solutions. Tailor-made arrangements are the hallmark of Emirates Holidays, allowing agents greater flexibility to satisfy their clients.”

Future enhancements to TradeNet include a new online booking function being rolled out to give agents flexibility to amend, manage and control their bookings; and TradeNet 2.0, with a new user interface incorporating feedback collected from users over the past 18 months, scheduled to go live in early 2006. 

TradeNet is also being developed to print service vouchers, allowing agents to complete the end-to-end transaction of quotation, payment, booking and documentation online.

About Emirates Holidays

Emirates Holidays the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline, offers flexible, affordable and quality holidays to 100 leisure destinations in more than 35 countries in Asia, Australasia, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Europe and North America. 

Emirates Holidays also offers a wide range of tailor-made, pre-planned and self-drive itineraries, private chauffeur-driven car and coach tours.  

All hotels, apartments, lodges and resorts are hand-picked by Emirates Holidays, and personally inspected to ensure that they meet the needs of the discerning holidaymaker.  

With Emirates Holidays, customers fly on Emirates, whose exceptionally high quality of service has won over 280 international awards. At nearly every destination, Emirates Holidays can arrange for customers to be met at the airport by helpful and friendly staff. 

Skywards’ Vice President Brian LaBelle (left), congratulates Jean-Marc Busato, Vice President, Middle East, Rezidor SAS Hospitality, on their new partnership. 

Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines, has added a new hotel partner to its rapidly expanding portfolio - Rezidor SAS Hospitality.

The fast-growing, Brussels-based hospitality company has a portfolio of five brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa – Radisson SAS, Country Inn, Hotel Missoni, Park Inn and Regent. 

Skywards members can now earn 500 Skywards Miles every time they stay at Radisson SAS, Park Inn and Regent Hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Skywards’ Vice President Brian LaBelle, said: “Skywards offers its members numerous ways for earning Miles, whether through flying with Emirates and SriLankan or staying at the properties of our hotel partners.

“We are delighted to welcome Rezidor SAS as Skywards’ newest partner, giving members the opportunity to increase their Miles which they can exchange for great benefits, including free flights, upgrades and luxury goods.”   

Rezidor SAS Hospitality joins Skywards’ other hotel partners: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Jumeirah, Le Meridien, One&Only, Marriott, Raffles International Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotels-Suites-Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Taj Group of Hotels.

Jean-Marc Busato, Vice President, Middle East, Rezidor SAS Hospitality, added: “Rezidor SAS is set for major growth and we look forward to a strong working relationship with Emirates, as both companies continue to develop and expand into new destinations.”

About Skywards

Now celebrating five successful years, the Skywards frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines is widely known as best-in-class for its dedication in delivering benefits to its members which go far beyond just the travel experience.  

More than 1.75 million frequent travellers across the globe have joined Skywards since its launch in 2000.  The two key drivers of the programme are commitment to innovation and superior customer service.  

Members earn Skywards Miles on every flight with Emirates, SriLankan Airlines and its partner airlines.  They can also earn Miles when staying at Skywards’ partner hotels, and using the services of other partners for car hire, and leisure activities and when using co-branded credit cards in association with banks.  

Rewards for a passenger's loyalty and business include free flights and upgrades to hundreds of destinations, plus free leisure activities and quality goods. 

About Rezidor SAS Hospitality

Rezidor SAS Hospitality, one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in the world, has a portfolio of five brands. Rezidor SAS is the partner in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the Carlson brands (890 locations in 68 countries): Radisson, Park Inn, Regent and Country Inn. 

It has concluded a worldwide license agreement with the Italian fashion house Missoni, to develop and operate a lifestyle hotel brand of the same name: Hotel Missoni. Rezidor SAS has 263 hotels currently in operation and under development in 48 countries. The company aims to develop 700 hotels under the different brands by 2012. For more information on Rezidor SAS and its five brands, visit www.rezidorsas.com.  

Emirates’ Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum (2nd right), is presented with the accreditation certificate by Zack Zainal (2nd left), Emirates’ Manager Security – Facilities & Training.  Also seen are Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Group Security, and Maurice Flanagan, Emirates’ Vice Chairman & Group President.

Emirates’ security division has received an extension to the accreditation of its security training by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) following a recent audit of its programmes.

Transguard Education Academy, run by Emirates’ Group Security department, was the first institute to receive accreditation in December 2004.  Originally valid until April 2006, the accreditation has been extended for a period of two years following the audit.

The academy can use the GCAA logo on all its certificates, including the Diploma in Aviation Security Management, run in conjunction with Edith Cowan University of Western Australia. 

Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Group Security, said: “This re-accreditation attests to the quality process that security training has undergone.  All training syllabi prior to submission for audit to GCAA were subjected to a rigorous audit by Edith Cowan University itself. Security and aviation professionals can be confident that our courses will meet the stringent security requirements for the way we live today.”

The GCAA has certified that the Transguard Education Academy programmes are in full compliance with requirements outlined in Annex 17 and Doc. 8973 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), for safeguarding International Civil Aviation against acts of unlawful interference, as well as Civil Aviation Regulations Part VII of the UAE National Civil Aviation Security Programme. 

Security and airline professionals can apply for courses at the Transguard Education Academy, including the 10-month course leading to the Diploma in Aviation Security Management, by contacting Shreemen Prabhakaran. on Tel: +9714 282 2360.

World of Events, Dnata’s professional conferences organising division, has joined with Emirates Medical Association and Emirates Physiotherapy Society to organise Physio Dubai 2006, the UAE’s first-ever international physiotherapy conference.

The three-day conference, to be held from April 29 – May 1 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, will showcase the latest developments in physiotherapy practice with presentations by internationally- recognised experts.

In partnership with the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences and supported by the Government of Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Health, Emirates Medical Association, and Dubai Convention Bureau, Physio Dubai 2006 is also accredited by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education (AACME).

It is aimed at attracting an audience of physiotherapists, rehabilitation and healthcare professionals, sports physicians, neurologists and neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, osteopaths and chiropractors, family physicians, medical insurance representatives and other medical specialists.

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Abdul Ghafoor, Chairman of the Emirates Medical Association, which will host the conference, said: “Physiotherapy in the UAE and the Gulf region is growing, and the contribution of physiotherapy to society alongside healthcare professionals is increasing.”

He added: “The Government of Dubai is making Dubai the location of choice for quality health care, and a centre of excellence for clinical services. The Emirates Physiotherapy Society is delighted to support the Government’s endeavour by hosting this conference, which will have presentations by recognised experts who set the standards for world-class best practice.” 

Medhat Nassar, World of Events Regional Business Development Manager, said: “Physio Dubai 2006 will be first of its kind in the UAE, and will provide a platform for the latest regional and international physiotherapy research. We are delighted with our partnership with the Emirates Medical Association and the Emirates Physiotherapy Society.”

He added: “We believe our expertise in providing a seamless organisation path, from conceptualisation and design right through to on-site event management, will make this a landmark conference in Dubai’s drive towards its goal of being a global centre of medical excellence.”

Included in the Physio Dubai 2006 programme is a Plenary Session on Day Two, which begins with the Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Science Speech. Other presentations cover a range of clinical research and practice of physiotherapy topics, such as lower back pain, stroke rehabilitation and paediatric neurology.

Further information is available from World of Events: Tel: (+9714) 316 6622; 

e-mail: physio-dubai@worldofevents.com; website: www.physio-dubai.com

About World of Events

The specialist professional conferences organising division of Dnata Agencies, established in 1996 and part of the Emirates Group, World of Events is recognised as a reliable and quality service provider staffed by a highly professional team of event specialists.

World of Events offers a range of services to the corporate market and conventions industry, ranging from conceptualisation, design and theme, through to pre-registration, on-site delivery, event and logistics management.

In addition to its dedicated Professional Conference Organisation unit established following the success of managing several major regional and international conferences, World of Events also provides a one-stop solution for event marketing and management requirements, with experience in 13 different destinations ranging from a 10-person incentive group to more than 10,000 delegates for the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and IMF.

Mercator, the Dubai-based IT division of the Emirates Group, has successfully installed its Chameleon solution at the Kuwaiti ground handler National Aviation Services (NAS). 

Chameleon is Mercator’s recently-launched cargo ground handling and warehouse management solution. Using this solution, NAS will now be able to efficiently manage and monitor cargo consignments passing through Kuwait International Airport, and transform the way their cargo business works.

Mohammed Jalal, Chief Financial Officer of NAS, said: “Here at NAS we aim to deliver the best possible service to our customers through the most efficient communications and systems – that is our company mission.

“Chameleon embodies these values and is a perfect fit for our company’s objectives. Thanks to the Mercator team, the implementation was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, and we now have all the tools we need to ensure that our customers receive the best service at all times.”

Chameleon boosts service standards by proactively seeking out potential problems and taking the necessary measures to avoid or rectify them. It streamlines communications, sharpens decision-making, and lifts productivity and profitability to new heights. Supply chain management is dramatically improved.

Akshay Shrivastava, Mercator’s Manager Information Systems, said: “The successful completion of this project is yet another example of the unrivalled combined expertise of our Mercator staff in both IT and the aviation industry.

“NAS can now look forward to reaching new levels of quality in its cargo ground handling operations, and their customers will enjoy improved traceability of shipments, faster delivery times and fewer errors.”

Chameleon’s extensive functionality includes export cargo acceptance, export flight handling, import flight handling, import cargo delivery, warehousing, quality management and back office accounting.

Customers for Mercator’s other cargo systems include: Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Pacific, British Airways, Dnata, Dubai Flower Centre, Emirates, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Qantas, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan, TACA, Varig and Yemenia.

Awad El Seghayar, Director Dubai Convention Bureau (centre right) and Klaus Laepple, President DRV (centre left), photographed with Medhat Nassar Regional Manager for Business Development (third from right), and the World of Events team.

                                         

World of Events, the specialist events marketing and management division of Dnata Agencies, has received recognition from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB) for its role in facilitating the 2005 convention of the influential German Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (DRV).

The event, held at the Dubai International Convention Centre last month, was attended by over 1,100 senior managers from the German travel industry including chairmen of the biggest travel groups in Europe, and representatives from key German media.

Awadh El Seghayer, Director Dubai Convention Buerau, said: "The DRV Convention provided us with an excellent opportunity to showcase Dubai's many attractions as a destination for business, conventions and tourism to key influencers in the German market.

The team at World of Events has been invaluable in the smooth running the convention, extending professional consultation and support in organizing social functions, exhibition and sponsorship sales. As Dubai develops into the destination of choice for international Conventions and Events, there will be a need for more of such professional events and congress planning capabilities." 

Medhat Nassar, Regional Manager for Business Development said: "We are proud to have been able to facilitate the recent DRV convention in Dubai. The Conventions and Events industry in Dubai has tremendous potential for growth, with many new investments in infrastructure, hotels and convention venues coming up. World of Events is backed by a team of experienced professionals, and is well-equipped with the latest state of the art technology, to meet the growing demand for professional congress and event solutions." 

The DRV is the world's third largest travel association after ASTA (US) and ABTA (UK) with over 5,000 national and international members, including the biggest European tour operators, TUI, Thomas Cook and Rewe Touristik. 

Richard Vaughan (right), Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, East Asia & Australasia, received the CAPA Airline of the Year Award 2005 on behalf of Emirates from Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, at the 2nd Annual Asia Pacific & Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit 2006 Gala Dinner held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Emirates, the world’s second most profitable international airline, was awarded the prestigious CAPA Airline of the Year Award 2005 by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) yesterday.

The award was presented at the 2nd Annual Asia Pacific & Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit 2006 Gala Dinner held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation said: "The award recognises Emirates and the significant impact it has had on the development of the airline industry in both the Asia Pacific and the Middle East region. Emirates has demonstrated its success in fostering growth and competition within the industry and has established itself as a leader and industry benchmark.” 

The award also took particular note of Emirates’ leadership through strategic positioning, including the expansion and development of its passenger and cargo route networks; and its success in creating innovative revenue streams and operating efficiencies resulting in strong operating profits.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, East Asia & Australasia received the award on behalf of the airline and said: “It is an honour to have been named CAPA Airline of the Year 2005. We are pleased to be recognised for our efforts within the industry, especially as Emirates continues to strengthen its services within the Asia Pacific and the Middle East. This is an invaluable seal of approval and speaks volumes for the recognition we have from the industry for our continuous commitment towards service excellence.”

He added: "Industry partners such as the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation play a significant role in our success, and Emirates will continue to work closely with the travel trade, as we deliver outstanding products and services to our passengers."

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, CAPA is a leading provider of advisory and consultancy services to the region’s airlines, airports, governments, regulatory agencies, tourism authorities and suppliers. It has regional offices in New Delhi, Singapore, Geneva, Manchester and Vancouver.

Emirates currently serves 10 Far Eastern destinations including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei (cargo only); six destinations in Australasia including Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Christchurch; and 13 destinations in the Middle East including Amman, Bahrain, Jeddah, Kuwait, Riyadh and Muscat.

Since its launch in 1985, Emirates Airline has received more than 280 international awards in recognition of its efforts to provide unsurpassed levels of customer service, including the World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment 2005 from Skytrax and the more recent Best Middle East/African Airline Award from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.

Noted botanist Professor David Bellamy (L) inspects a fire bush at the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa - the largest protected wildlife reserve and conservation-based resort in the Middle East. Present with him is Tony Williams (R) Vice President Al Maha.

“Al Maha can lead the world in conservation and nature-based tourism”
– Professor David Bellamy

World renowned botanist, writer and broadcaster, Professor David Bellamy today visited Middle East’s largest protected wildlife reserve and conservation-based resort, the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa to study its conservation efforts.

During his brief Dubai stopover, Professor Bellamy also undertook a tour of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), the Gulf’s first true wildlife reserve initiated and managed by Al Maha.

Al Maha’s ambitious wildlife re-introduction and endangered species protection programmes have brought back to life many near-extinct species including the Arabian Oryx, and various floral species which had almost disappeared from the wild. 

In 1999, almost 100 Arabian Oryx were re-introduced into Al Maha’s conservation reserve, and under the protection and management of the area their population has swelled to 280. Subsequently the expansion of the 27-square kilometres Al Maha, into the 225-square kilometres Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve under the Rulers’ Decree has seen many other wildlife species like the Arabian Wildcat and Fox grow in numbers.

Professor Bellamy said: “The Arabian Peninsula boasts of some very rare and important wildlife and flora which today face severe threat due to untamed urbanization and the natural processes of climate change over the past 10,000 years. Sadly, the past century has been absolutely catastrophic to the species of Arabia. This is our last chance to rescue some of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating creatures.”

Supportive of Al Maha’s massive conservation efforts and clearly impressed with its results, he added: “Well-managed conservation, which also serves as a tourism attraction has seen places like Al Maha play an increasingly important role in nature and wildlife conservation. Its continuing development is highly relevant to the Gulf region.”

Professor Bellamy noted: “Al Maha’s work with the Arabian Oryx – saving it from extinction and returning it to a free-roaming existence in the wild is now world famous and recognised by such institutions as National Geographic and Conservation International. Its visionary environmental features such as the re-use of waste water are also a model for others in the region. I believe that Al Maha can lead the world in conservation and nature-based tourism.”

Al Maha Vice President Tony Williams said: “Most desert species in Dubai are under threat due to rapid growth of city urban areas, and a booming tourist industry which brings with it increased levels of desert safaris. At Al Maha our focus is on managing responsible tourism growth coupled with serious, scientific conservation work. Al Maha and the DDCR’s efforts to conserve the region’s original habitat and bio-diversity will become increasingly important as Dubai continues to develop.”

Al Maha’s robust conservation drive has won it worldwide recognition including the much coveted National Geographic’s World Legacy Award (2004).

The Airbus A380 aircraft in full Emirates livery was given a spectacular sending-off this morning, as the aircraft made one final showing along Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, accompanied by the Patrouille de France, the French acrobatic air force team. 

The A380 flew past Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and swept over the coast six times in different formations with nine jets from the Patrouille de France.

The magnificent air display wowed the crowds on the beach, many of whom broke into spontaneous applause when the world’s largest commercial aircraft glided gracefully past the shoreline, flanked by the French acrobatic jets which streamed red, white and blue-coloured smoke.

The A380 has been one of the highlights at the Dubai Air Show this week, receiving a huge amount of interest from Dubai residents as well as international visitors to the Show. It was the first time the A380 has appeared in an airline’s full livery, and also its debut appearance in entire region of the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

The aircraft will now return to Toulouse to complete its extensive test programme. 

Dubai-based Emirates is the world’s largest customer for the A380 aircraft. The airline expects the first of its 45 A380s on order to be delivered in early 2007.

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) is set to offer training early in the new year to Middle East-based operators of the Bell 412 and 212 helicopters, with Qatar-based Gulf Helicopters as its first customer.

The Middle East’s first Bell 412 full-flight simulator, manufactured by Canada-based CAE, is currently being installed at ECFT’s facility in Dubai.  

ECFT’s Managing Director, Dave Barrette, said: “With the installation and certification of this new simulator, Emirates-CAE Flight Training will be able to offer comprehensive training programmes for regional helicopter operators.  I am delighted to welcome our first customer Gulf Helicopters to the facility.” 

The simulator and related training programmes are expected to be approved by regulatory authorities over the coming months, and the training for Gulf Helicopters will begin as soon as it enters into service.

Last year, Gulf Helicopters, based in the Qatari capital, Doha, signed a five-year exclusive agreement to train its Bell 412 and 212 pilots at ECFT.  ECFT was also selected by Bell Helicopter to become a Bell Associated Training Facility for Middle East-based operators of the Bell 412 helicopter.

Seen at the signing of the contract between Oman Air and Emirates-CAE Flight Training are: Emirates’ Chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum (centre), His Excellency Said Hamdoon Al Harthy (right), Chairman of Oman Air; and Robert E. Brown, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) has signed a contract with Oman Air to extend its existing pilot training programme.

The new Boeing 737 NG aircraft programme, which will take place at the ECFT facility in Dubai, involves simulator time and classroom courses for both recurrent and upgrade training.

The contract was signed today during Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition by Emirates’ Chairman His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, His Excellency Said Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman of Oman Air; and Robert E. Brown, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Present at the signing were Ziad Haramy, Oman Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer; Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Training and Services; and Gary Chapman, President of Dnata & Associated Companies, Emirates Group.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “I am very pleased that our colleagues in Oman Air are extending their pilot training programme at Emirates-CAE Flight Training, which is a vote of confidence in the level of training that our facility can offer.”

The ECFT facility is jointly operated by Emirates and CAE under a long-term teaming agreement.

“We are pleased that Oman Air has chosen to expand the scope of their services with CAE,” said Mr. Brown. “Contracts like these serve to reinforce CAE’s presence in the Middle East’s growing aviation market.”

His Excellency Said bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, the Chairman of Oman Air, said: “Embedded in our strategy is our total commitment to achieve the highest levels of safety and efficiency. We consistently ensure that our pilots receive high quality training and enhanced knowledge of operating standards.”

Ziad Haramy, Oman Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer added: “I am delighted to see that Emirates-CAE Flight Training continues to work with Oman Air as partners in training our pilots. I look forward to continued cooperation in the future, as we continue to invest in state-of-the-art products and services to make Oman Air the most reliable, punctual, and friendly airline in the region.”

The contract was signed today by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum (centre), Chairman of Emirates, John Horsburgh (left) and Richard Kendall (right), chief executives of HAESL and SAESL respectively, at the 2005 Dubai Air Show.

Emirates Airline has signed a new contract with Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd. (HAESL) and Singapore Aero Engine Services Limited (SAESL) for the ongoing maintenance and repair of Rolls-Royce Trent aircraft engines within its fleet.

The new contract, potentially worth US$600 million, will cover the maintenance of all Emirates’ Trent 500, Trent 700 and Trent 800 engines for the next three years. Up to 200 engines could be overhauled under this agreement and the work will be shared between HAESL and SAESL.

Emirates Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with HAESL and extend it to SAESL. Their expertise in this field complements the maintenance support from Emirates’ own engineering division, and we look forward to working closely with them in providing our fast-expanding fleet of modern jets with the highest standards of engine maintenance and repair services.” 

John Paterson, Chairman of HAESL and SAESL, said: “HAESL has had a strong relationship with Emirates since they began operating Trent engines eight years ago. This new agreement will enable Emirates to continue focusing on its core business, which has seen the airline achieve unmatched growth through an award-winning service.

“We are delighted that Emirates has chosen to extend its relationship with us as it demonstrates complete confidence in our offering and the service we provide.”

Seen at the signing of the contract between Emirates-CAE Flight Training and Kingfisher Airlines are Emirates’ Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum (left), Dr. Vijay Mallya (centre), MP and Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines; and Robert E Brown, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) has been awarded a multi-year contract for pilot training on Airbus A320 aircraft by new Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines.

The training programme for this new customer includes both instruction and simulator time for initial and recurrent training for pilots at the ECFT facility in Dubai.

The agreement was signed today during Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition by Emirates’ Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Dr. Vijay Mallya, MP and Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines; and Robert E Brown, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Present at the signing were Nigel Harwood, Kingfisher’s Chief Operating Officer; Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Training and Services; and Gary Chapman, President of Dnata & Associated Companies, Emirates Group. 

Sheikh Ahmed said: “I am very pleased to welcome Kingfisher Airlines to our flight training facility.  We can assure them of top-class pilot training using state-of-the-art facilities amid the safe and pleasant environment of Dubai.” 

ECFT is jointly operated by Emirates and CAE under a long-term teaming agreement.

“This contract marks a major achievement for CAE,” said Mr. Brown. “Through contracts like these, CAE is proving itself the training provider of choice for the rapidly expanding Indian start-up airline market.”

ECFT is part of the Airbus-CAE cooperation, which combines the two companies’ expertise to provide increased access to training to customers around the globe. Established in 2002, the Airbus-CAE cooperation operates the largest fleet of Airbus full-flight simulators in the world.

Terry Daly (right), Emirates’ Senior Vice President Service Delivery and Frank Käufer, Chief Executive Officer of TFC Käufer sign the contract for TFC Käufer cabin emergency evacuation training simulators for Emirates’ new Crew Training Centre in Dubai.

Emirates has selected TFC Käufer of Germany to supply emergency cabin evacuation training simulators for its new Crew Training Centre in Dubai.

Opening in the first quarter of 2007, the centre will provide training for cabin crew in passenger and crew management skills, food and beverage service techniques and the management of emergency situations in flight.  

Terry Daly, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Service Delivery, said: “We are pleased to announce that we have selected TFC Käufer as the supplier of emergency cabin evacuation training simulators for our new Crew Training Centre.

“Emirates is committed to ensuring that crew are trained to the highest industry standards and we are confident that these devices will help us achieve this.”

The training devices are built to resemble the fuselage of Airbus A380 and A330/A340 aircraft and of Boeing 777 aircraft.  The A330/A340 and 777 simulators also feature a motion system for greater realism when simulating adverse conditions.

In addition, two door trainers simulate the door positioning of the A380 and 777 to train crew to operate the aircraft doors safely. 

In operation at the Crew Training Centre by January 2007, the simulators are equipped with a full audio and visual system and can recreate a number of emergency scenarios such as fire smoke and power failure.

Frank Käufer, Chief Executive Officer of TFC Käufer said: “We are very proud to be chosen to supply emergency cabin evacuation training simulators to Emirates which is well known in the industry for its high-level standard of training for airline personnel.”

Adel Al Redha (right), Emirates’ Executive Vice President Engineering & Operations, and Walter Heerdt (left), SVP Marketing & Sales, Lufthansa Technik AG, sign the service contract for Emirates’ Boeing 777 fleet.

Emirates Airline has signed a service contract for its Boeing 777 fleet with Hawker Pacific, a 100 per cent subsidiary of the German Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) provider Lufthansa Technik. 

The service contract entails the exchange, overhaul and support for the landing gears of Emirates’ 21 Boeing 777-200, 777-200ER and 777-300 aircraft which operate with different maximum take-off weights of 545,000lbs, 632,000lbs and 660,000lbs, respectively. The first exchange is due at the end of next month and the contract will run until 2013. 

The multi-million dollar agreement was signed in Dubai during Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Engineering & Operations; and Walter Heerdt, Senior Vice President Marketing & Sales, Lufthansa Technik AG.

Mr Al Redha commented: “Emirates is pleased to enter into this contract with the Lufthansa Technik Group to support our 777 landing gear overhaul and exchange schedule.  

“At Emirates our goal is to continuously enhance our operations in terms of cost-efficiency, reliability and speed of technical services, which translates into an overall better service to our customers.” 

Lufthansa Technik Group subsidiary Hawker Pacific delivered its first overhauled Boeing 777 landing gear shipset in 2002 to a long-term European airline customer.

Mr Heerdt said: “This new agreement is a further milestone in the cooperative relationship between two renowned and sizable players in the modern aviation community.” 

He added: “Hawker Pacific is the only repair & overhaul (MRO) provider in the world to offer exchange assets for all three weight configurations of the Boeing 777. This offers Emirates the far-reaching synergies and support of the first independent MRO approved by Boeing for 777 landing gear work.”

Seen at the signing of the contract for CAE flight training devices are  Adel Al Redha (right), Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Engineering & Operations; and Marc Parent, CAE’s Group President, Simulation Products.

Emirates has signed an agreement with CAE of Canada for the supply of CAE Simfinity™ three-dimensional flight training devices for pilots.  

Comprising an Airbus A380 maintenance/flight training device, a Boeing 777-300ER integrated procedures trainer, as well as visual equipment and services, the order is valued at approximately US$4 million (C$5 million) at list prices.

The equipment is due for installation in Emirates' own dedicated Aviation College in Dubai by mid-2006.  

The announcement was made today during Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition at a signing ceremony attended by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Engineering & Operations; and Marc Parent, CAE’s Group President, Simulation Products.

Mr Al Redha said: "Emirates continues to expand its route network to meet customer demand. I am pleased that CAE is playing an integral role in our training programmes in support of Emirates' expansion plans.”

Emirates has 45 of the super-jumbo Airbus A380-800 aircraft on order, due for delivery from April 2007.

“Each new agreement like this serves to further strengthen the bond that already exists between CAE and Emirates,” said Marc Parent.

Seen at the signing of the contract to provide training for SpiceJet flight crew at Emirates-CAE Flight Training are Gary Chapman (right), President Dnata & Associated Companies, Emirates Group; Bhulo Kansagra (centre), SpiceJet’s Promoter Director; and Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Training and Services.

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) has been awarded a contract for Boeing 737 NG pilot training by new Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet. 

The contract was signed today during Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition by Gary Chapman, President Dnata & Associated Companies, Emirates Group; Bhulo Kansagra, SpiceJet’s Promoter Director; and Jeff Roberts, CAE’s Group President, Civil Training and Services.

Mr Chapman said: “ECFT has established itself as one of the leading training facilities for the aviation industry across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia and we are very pleased that our reputation has attracted new Indian carrier SpiceJet, which looks set for a bright future.”

The pilot training will take place at ECFT in Dubai, which is jointly operated by Emirates and CAE under a long-term teaming agreement.

“The rapidly growing Indian aviation industry represents an important market for CAE,” said Mr. Roberts.  “We are delighted to welcome SpiceJet to the family of carriers all over the world whose pilots CAE trains.”

Emirates announces the largest-ever order of Boeing 777s, worth US$9.7 billion, on the opening day of the Dubai Air Show. The 42 new 777 aircraft ordered will be powered by General Electric's GE90 engines. Pictured at the media conference today are: H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence (second from left); and Emirates Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum; with Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Boeing Company (left), and David L. Calhoun, Vice Chairman of General Electric (right).

• Firm orders for 42 Boeing 777 aircraft, with purchase rights for 20 more 
• General Electric’s GE90 jet engines to power new 777 aircraft ordered  

Emirates Airline today announced firm orders for 42 Boeing 777 aircraft, to be powered by GE90 jet engines, in a deal worth Dhs 35.7 billion (US$9.7 billion) at list prices. 

This is the largest-ever order for the Boeing 777 family of aircraft and consists of: 24 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LR Worldliners and eight 777 Freighters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2007. In addition, Emirates will have purchase rights for 20 more 777 aircraft.

The announcement was made by Emirates’ Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Boeing Company, on the opening day of Dubai 2005 – the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition.

Sheikh Ahmed and General Electric’s Vice Chairman David L. Calhoun, also signed the agreement to purchase GE90-115B jet engines, the world’s most powerful engines, for all the Boeing 777s included in this order by Emirates. The agreement, valued at US$2 billion, includes a 12-year service agreement with GE for maintenance and overhaul.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “We are investing in more new aircraft to meet the escalating demand for Emirates’ services from our customers across the globe. This new order will support the airline’s growth plans, and enhance our fleet’s range and versatility.” 

Emirates intends to use the 777 to extend and strengthen its routes to key cities in Europe and Asia, and operate to new markets. The 777-200LR, which recently broke the world distance record for a commercial airliner, will allow Emirates to explore new destinations including non-stop flights to cities on the U.S. West Coast. 

Sheikh Ahmed added: “Global air travel demand has been resilient, with particularly strong growth in the Middle East region and Asia, where burgeoning economies have led to vigorous trade and tourism exchanges. Having an advanced and efficient fleet of aircraft will allow Emirates to tap into the opportunities presented by this environment, and allow us to continue providing customers with faster air connections and superior travel comfort.

“We have had very positive results from the 777s in our present fleet, and we look forward to receiving these new aircraft. Emirates remains committed to contributing to Dubai’s development as the world’s aviation hub of choice by providing world-class air travel services via our Dubai base.” 

Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very happy that Emirates has decided to use the entire 777 family as a cornerstone for its fleet operations, and we are excited to witness how the airline will benefit from the superior economics of the 777.

“It’s an honour that Emirates has once again chosen the 777, as it is renowned for providing quality and excellence, a goal Boeing shares with this extraordinary airline.”

This new deal boosts Emirates current aircraft order book to 132, with a total value of US$37.4 billion, and adds to the airline’s 23 Boeing 777-300ERs; 45 A380s; 20 A340-600s; and two A310Fs pending delivery.

Dubai-based Emirates is one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines, and the second most profitable.  Independent and financially self-sustained, Emirates operates an all wide-bodied fleet of 83 aircraft to over 75 cities in 54 countries.

The massive Airbus A380, in full Emirates livery that included the distinctive belly logo, graced the skies earlier today, flying low along Dubai’s beachfront. 

Piloted by Capt. Claude Lelaie of Airbus, the aircraft glided several times along the beach at 1500 feet, thrilling the city’s residents and visitors alike, many capturing the sight on their mobiles and cameras, and commenting on how quiet the aircraft was, despite its double-decker super-jumbo size.

The arrival of the aircraft in Dubai was made possible by Emirates, the world’s largest customer for the aircraft, and Airbus. This was the first time the A380 sported any airline’s full livery.

• The Airline Promises A Spectacular Showing At the Event  

The city’s residents and the international visitors for the Dubai 2005 – 9th International Aerospace Exhibition are in for a colossal treat this year as the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, resplendent in Emirates’ full livery, will for the very first time fly over the city and its iconic beachfront at low altitudes, between 09:00 and 11:00 hours on 19th November. This will also mark the first time the A380 sports any airline’s full livery.

Emirates, the world’s largest customer for the aircraft and Airbus, the manufacturer of the world’s largest commercial airliner the A380-800, have teamed up to bring the massive 600+ seater specifically for the Dubai Air Show. 

Set to become a familiar sight in Dubai’s skies from 2007, when Emirates begins to receive the first of its 45 A380s on order, the aircraft will mark its debut appearance in the entire region of the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent, which have a combined population of more than two billion people.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman said: “The A380’s test flight to Dubai is historic and significant for the entire region. It underpins the impressive profile Emirates and Dubai have created in the international arena. Dubai’s residents and visitors will now have a fantastic preview of the future of long-haul air travel as the massive A380 takes to the skies.

“Our order for 45 of these aircraft will further propel Emirates’ meteoric ascent in the aviation industry and catalyse commerce and industry locally, providing a big thrust to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub.” 

But that’s not all as Emirates, one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, puts on a spell-binding display at the Dubai Air Show starting 20th November. Emirates’ massive three-storey stand that mimics the A380 will be at the show, highlighting the airline’s enormous order. In fact, the stand is a 90 per cent scale model of the front fuselage section the A380 and seats 44 guests in the ‘First Class’ and 51 guests in ‘Business Class’ hospitality areas.

On the first day, Emirates will launch a commemorative coffee table book that captures the 20-year history of the airline and its symbiotic relationship with Dubai. The 352-page hardback book embraces a year’s research and writing efforts within its pages, and has more than 385 photographs – many previously unpublished and some unique shots of Dubai International Airport in the early 1960s. The book features interviews with international personalities such as Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson, Airbus’ Noel Forgeard and Rolls-Royce’s Sir Ralph Robins. The book will be on available on sale at the stand.

The Emirates stand is designed to showcase the airline and its multiple brands – Emirates SkyCargo, Skywards, Destination & Leisure Management, Emirates Aviation College and Emirates Engineering. 

The Emirates Engineering Centre will showcase its investments in leading-edge facilities to support the airline’s rapidly growing fleet. This includes a new jet engine test facility and an engineering centre that will be one of the world’s largest civil aviation maintenance centres when completed.

The stand will also feature a large model of the exciting Emirates’ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, which is slated for construction in a 3,600 acre site west of the Blue Mountains in Australia. Earlier this week in Australia, Emirates unveiled the concept plan for this conservation-based luxury resort.

Emirates SkyCargo’s area at the stand will be manned with friendly and professional customer service staff who will provide information on the cargo division’s new range of products and solutions and help exhibitors confirm cargo space and availability. 

Reservation staff will help visitors with their Emirates flight bookings and offer information on the airline’s services while a Skywards team will hand out information and applications.  The stand will be abuzz with more than 10 plasma screens highlighting information on Emirates and its brands, its sponsorship of FIFA World Cup 2006 and other sports sponsorships. Visitors can access more information on Emirates sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup 2006 at a separate display area set up at the stand.

Emirates’ stand, 284 square metres in dimension and more than nine metres in height and which took more than 30 men 10 days to erect, is set to dominate the event. It is made of steel and weighs some 30 tonnes, is fully air-conditioned and has three floors – ground + two levels – including a majlis for VIP visitors.

The stand is covered in see-through material to help visitors visualise the inside of the mighty aircraft. The climate-controlled model, built on three floors, will include two kitchens for cabin crew to serve first-class catering, a fully-networked computer system with Internet links, a DVD-based plasma display system to broadcast promotional messages around the stand, two business lounges and a boardroom.

Emirates and its sister company Dnata also have a much-sought after invitations-only corporate hospitality chalets airside, where both brands can host their VIP guests.

Airbus, the manufacturer of the world’s largest commercial airliner, the A380-800, and Emirates, the world’s largest customer for the aircraft, have teamed up to bring the massive 600+ seater aircraft on its maiden voyage to the Middle East for Dubai 2005 – 9th International Aerospace Exhibition.

Set to become a familiar sight in Dubai’s skies from 2007, when Emirates will begin to receive the first of its 45 A380s on order, the aircraft will be seen for the very first time in the city before and during the Dubai Air Show.

The A380, resplendent in the complete Emirates livery including the belly logo, is scheduled to circle Dubai’s skies offering an unhindered view from several vantage points, notably Jumeirah as it flies past the iconic Burj Al Arab. 

Date: Saturday, 19th November 2005
Time: Between 09:00 and 11:00 hours

Please find below the background information on Emirates and its A380 fleet.  

EMIRATES’ AIRBUS A380-800 FACT SHEET

INTRODUCTION

Emirates was the first airline to order the A380 and has 45 on order for delivery – more than any other carrier by far, and a full third of the firm orders received by Airbus for this new aircraft.  Emirates plans to use the A380 to meet on-going and forecast intense passenger and cargo growth on major trunk routes from its Dubai hub, including services to the U.K., Asia-Pacific and the Americas. 

AIRBUS A380-800

• The world’s only twin-deck, four-aisle airliner.
• The A380 has the widest cabin of any aircraft in the world.
• Its floor area is 49 per cent bigger, and has 35 per cent more seats, than the Boeing 747-400.
• The A380 provides 15-20 per cent lower seat-mile costs and ten per cent more range than its closest rival.
• Compared to other aircraft, the A380 can carry more passengers further, thus maximising the use of existing airport slots capacity.
• The A380 will be significantly quieter than today’s largest airliner – generating less than half the noise of a Boeing 747-400 on take off.
• The aircraft consumes around 13 per cent less fuel than its closest competitor.
• It will be the first long-haul aircraft to consume less than three litres of fuel per passenger over 100 kilometres (95 miles per imperial gallon.)          

EMIRATES’ A380s 

• Emirates’ A380s have been ordered in three configurations: 
  ·       a low-density, long range three-class 489 seater
  ·       a low-density, medium range three-class 517 seater 
  ·       and a higher-density, medium range two-class 644 seater
  
• Emirates’ A380Fs will be three-deck freighters with a 150-tonne (330,000 lbs) capacity and a range of 10,400 km.         

Emirates’ A380 Specifications

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide, addressed a group of more than 100 travel agents, journalists and VIP guests at a reception held to celebrate both the launch of Emirates’ second daily service to New York and the opening of the airline's new dedicated First and Business class lounge at JFK International Airport.

Emirates is delighted to announce the start of its second daily service from Dubai to New York. Flight EK203 took off from Dubai at 01:30am yesterday and landed on time at John F Kennedy Airport at 07:10am local time.

Emirates started flying to New York in June last year, and demand has been so strong for the service that a second daily service was required to cope with the ever-increasing passenger numbers on this route. This is something of a record for Emirates as just 17 months from launch of its initial service to going double daily is the fastest time the airline has increased frequency to double daily on any route.

Arriving in New York from Dubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “This second daily service from Dubai to New York marks a great achievement for Emirates and shows our commitment to America as a growing market for us. It is testament to our quality of service and the enormous popularity of this route that in such a short time we have managed to launch a flight to New York and then go to double daily on the route.

The New York Times Business Travel Columnist, Joe Sharkey, was the lucky winner of a trip to Dubai at a reception held to celebrate the introduction of Emirates’ second daily service to New York and the opening of the airline’s new dedicated First and Business class lounge at JFK International Airport. The event was attended by more than 100 travel agents, journalists and VIP guests. Pictured (left to right) are the UAE Ambassador to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Shamsi; Emirates' Cabin Crew members Angela Yassin and Nazli Mianaie; drawing winner, Joe Sharkey, and Nigel Page, Emirates' Senior Vice President Commercial Operations The Americas.

“The arrival of this service also coincides with the opening of our lounge here at JFK. Emirates First and Business class passengers will now have access to an exclusive lounge where they can work or relax prior to taking their Emirates flight. The lounge can  accommodate almost 200 First and Business Class passengers, offers a complete list of amenities, including two television viewing areas, a full business centre with free local telephone calls and internet access, shower facilities and a full menu of complimentary hot and cold dishes served informally or in a dining area, and a full bar. We are sure that our guests will enjoy this facility as much as their flight.”

Emirates flights to JFK operate into the ultra-modern Terminal 4 at JFK, with the new daily service, EK 203, departing Dubai at 01:30am every day and landing in New York at 07:10am the same day. The return flight, EK 204, leaves JFK at 09:10am arriving in Dubai at 06:50am the next day. 

Emirates offers the only non-stop A340-500 service from Dubai International Airport to America. The existing Emirates service between the two cities, EK 201, departs Dubai at 8:00am every morning and arrives in JFK at 2:10pm the same day, with the return flight, EK 202, departing at 11:30pm and arriving in Dubai at 8:20pm the following day. This offers Emirates passengers much great flexibility when planning their journey to New York and beyond.

Since its introduction in June of 2004, Emirates’ A340-500 in-flight experience has been heralded locally and throughout North America for its exceptional passenger services and amenities including 12 fully-enclosed First Class suites with flat beds and sliding doors that can be opened or closed at will for privacy.  

Other features include quieter cabins, revolutionary lighting to help reset body clocks and minimise jetlag, the world’s most advanced in-flight entertainment, with 500-plus channels in every seat in every class, and Room Service - an Emirates first. Emirates First Class customers may phone the galley to order meals, served at their seat at the time of their choice.  

Business Class seats are laid out 2-2-2, putting everyone beside either an aisle or window, and adjust at the touch of a button. Emirates Economy also has been redesigned to make cabins quieter and more restful, with wider, more comfortable 2-4-2 seats and nine-inch personal video screens - larger than in almost every other Economy class. 

Dnata and Emirates' volunteers pose with bags of litter which they successfully collected during the 'Clean Mountain' campaign on 18th November

The environmentally conscious Dnata, a robust organiser of various clean-up programmes, conducted yet another successful clean-up drive yesterday. Friday, 18th November saw several employees of the company voluntarily dedicate their weekend for a worthy cause, the ‘Clean Mountain’ campaign. 

Environmental degradation of the U.A.E’s majestic mountains brought about by increased tourism, prompted Dnata to undertake the ‘Clean Mountain’ campaign. 

Beginning as early as 7:30 am, the enthusiastic group of over 50 volunteers from Emirates and Dnata gathered at the Emirates Briefing Centre where they received instructions for their mission – clearing of all litter at the base of Jebel Al Rawdah Mountains.

The group which consisted of volunteers aged five to 60, succeeded in collecting 25 plus bags of garbage.

Ismail Ali Albanna, Dnata Executive Vice President said: “Located an hour’s drive from Dubai, the Jebel Al Rawdah Mountains  and the adjoining Hatta pools are a much frequented tourist and picnic spot. Several hundred picnic lovers visit the scenic location on weekends and invariably leave behind food stuffs, empty water bottles, coke cans and other rubbish.”

He added: “By initiating the ‘Clean Mountain’ drive, we hope to set an example and encourage other visitors to dispose off their garbage in designated areas instead of littering the wadi.”

The company has embarked on several environmental campaigns since the beginning of the ’90s. Its commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for the local community has led it to undertake various projects including the hugely successful ‘Clean Dubai Creek’ campaign in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Police, Dnata Dubai Cruises and Gallagher.

The first company initiative of its kind, the ‘Clean Dubai Creek’ drive held in September was successful in removing 40 bags of debris from the creek bed. 

In the immediate future, Dnata is gearing up to participate in the ‘Clean Up the World Campaign’ organised by the Environment Department of Dubai Municipality. The drive will take place on 25th November near the Nad Al Sheba Camel sheds.

‘Clean Up the World Campaign’ is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme, and attracts participation from over 45 million people across 120 countries. 

Mercator, the IT division of the Emirates Group, has scored yet another first by winning its first contract in Eastern Europe for its airline passenger revenue accounting solution.

Tarom, the national flag carrier of Romania, has signed up for Mercator’s RAPID Passenger revenue accounting system, which analyses the information on air tickets to give airlines the crucial financial and strategic details needed to determine how their business is performing.

Benefits for Tarom will include the swift determination of revenue, boosted productivity and efficiency, slashed accounting costs and refined processes. The carrier’s executives will also be armed with incisive management reports, giving them the confidence to make informed tactical decisions and winning long-term strategies.  

Christian Becerescu, General Manager of Tarom, said: “We’ve recently celebrated our 50th year of flying, and as we enter our next 50 years we need the support of systems which can help us keep hold of our competitive advantage, and build upon it to become a winner in the airline industry.

“RAPID’s functionality will give us everything we need to compete effectively and will play a key role in our ambitious growth plans.”

Tarom operates scheduled passenger and cargo services, serving more than 35 destinations throughout Europe and the Middle East. More than a million people travelled on its modern fleet of 16 Boeing and ATR aircraft last year.

Frank Zenke, Vice President Sales and Market Development at Mercator, said: “The unrivalled quality of our solution, now in use on five continents, and Mercator’s two thousand plus man-years of experience, make us first choice supplier for airline revenue accounting solutions.

“Our financial products are winning more and more customers, and we’re delighted to welcome Tarom to the family. They join the ranks of world-renowned carriers using RAPID – an endorsement of which Mercator is very proud.”

IBM Romania will supply the necessary hardware so that RAPID has a resilient and reliable platform from which to operate effectively.

Airlines already benefiting from the RAPID family of products include Air Malawi, Air New Zealand, Air Niugini, Air Pacific, Air Sahara, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Zimbabwe, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Olympic, Qantas, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan, TACA, Varig and Yemenia.

The Emirates Airline MatchCast area of www.fifaworldcup.comwill allow fans to follow match action through minute by minute live updates, editorial commentary, photos, statistics and scores, as well as offering a live fan chat facility. This will prove one of the most popular elements of the site both in the run up the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ and once the event kicks off in June next year.

Emirates, one of the fastest growing international airlines and biggest sporting sponsors in the world, today confirmed another exciting development in its support for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ with the announcement that it has signed up as one of the main sponsors of FIFAworldcup.com, the Official Website of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, which is hosted by Yahoo!

This sponsorship gives Emirates exclusive rights to what are expected to be the hottest elements of the site: the complete Match Coverage and the Final Draw for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

The Emirates brand will be featured prominently on FIFAworldcup.com, which has featured more than 800 preliminary matches for the FIFA World Cup™ in the run up to next year’s event in Germany since December 2003.

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ which took place in Korea and Japan, FIFAworldcup.com registered more than 2 billion page views from some 20 million unique users, and the figures for next year’s event are expected to grow substantially. That represents a huge global audience that will be exposed to Emirates, its brand and its support of the FIFA World Cup™.

Commenting on this exciting addition to Emirates’ FIFA World Cup™ portfolio, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates Chairman, said: "We are delighted to have confirmed the deal with Yahoo! and FIFA to be sponsors of FIFAworldcup.com. 

“This will further contribute to building awareness of our sponsorship of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in countries around the world. This shows Emirates’ commitment to becoming a truly global brand and helps us to reach the widest possible number of football fans who will be keeping in touch with the FIFA World Cup™ results through the site, especially when it is broadcast live during office hours."

FIFAworldcup.com is the one-stop shop for football fans. The site is currently available in the four Official FIFA Languages (English, German, Spanish and French) and will be re-launched with a range of exciting new additions to the existing features, when the Final Draw for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ takes place on 9th December 2005.

Match Coverage
Yahoo! and FIFA have created the ultimate destination for fans looking for extensive coverage on the FIFA World Cup™, their national teams and their favourite players. FIFAworldcup.com will cover the friendly matches of all the qualified teams as of the Final Draw extensively. This will then be culminating with the live coverage of all 64 FIFA World Cup™ matches on FIFAworldcup.com’s MatchCast, the most popular part of the site. The MatchCast will allow fans to follow live match action through editorial commentary, photos, statistics and much more on FIFAworldcup.com. Fans will in addition have the opportunity to participate in a live fan chat through the MatchCast. Emirates has secured itself the naming right to this application, i.e. the Emirates Airline MatchCast.

Final Draw for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™
The Final Draw itself will offer football fans around the world the chance to see which teams will be drawn against each other. FIFAworldcup.com will cover this live through a unique application, which will be sponsored exclusively by Emirates. The Final Draw element of the site will feature photos, live editorial commentary as well as a fan chat, which will kick-off hours before the Final Draw Ceremony itself begins. This event is the kick-off to the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ itself, since the fans will know who their team is playing against and where.

The FIFAworldcup.com Team, comprising more than 80 people (incl. 50 editors) on-site in Germany throughout the tournament, will update the site around the clock with news and feature stories. The site will be Home of the FIFA World Cup™ and its global experience.

Dubai-based Emirates posts half-year profits of Dhs 922 million.

• Strong Revenue Growth and Efficiency Drives Soften Impact of High Fuel Prices

Dubai-based Emirates has announced net profits of Dhs 922 million (US$251 million) for the first six months of the financial year 2005-06, from 1st April to 30th September. 

The unaudited results, up seven per cent compared to Dhs 865 million ($236 million) achieved in the same period last year, reflect a strong revenue performance driven by robust passenger and cargo demand, and better yields, which softened the impact of high fuel prices on operating costs. 

Emirates’ Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, said: "Emirates has delivered an excellent half-year result despite the fact that fuel cost rose 84 per cent compared to the first six months of our last financial year. This robust half-year performance reflects strong revenue growth, and it also demonstrates the company’s resilience and adaptability to new challenges in the operating environment.”

At Emirates, fuel accounted for 27 per cent of operating cost compared with 19 per cent during the same period last year. Measures taken by Emirates to remain on target include stringent cost-containment and efficiency drives, but like other airlines, Emirates has been forced to impose fuel surcharges on tickets, which do not fully cover the escalating costs. 

Sheikh Ahmed added: “While high fuel prices remain the single largest threat to Emirates’ achievement of its financial goals, the airline is confident in the future of the air transport industry.

“Emirates has continued to expand, adding capacity and introducing new services to meet the increasing demand for air travel services from our customers. We are also investing in leading-edge facilities to support our rapidly growing fleet. This includes a new jet engine test facility and an engineering centre that will be one of the world’s largest civil aviation maintenance centres when complete.”

Sheikh Ahmed concluded: “Emirates’ strong profitability enables us to afford the big investments required to enhance our competitiveness and secure our future. We will continue to seek cost-efficiencies, pursue revenue opportunities in high-potential markets, increase productivity and continually innovate to deliver the best possible service to our customers.” 

Emirates’ operating revenue of Dhs 10.4 billion ($2.84 billion) for the half-year represented a strong growth of 28 per cent vs. revenue of Dhs 8.2 billion ($2.22 billion) during the same period last year. 

Seat factor improved by 2.6 percentage points to 76 per cent during the period, and passengers carried rose 15 per cent to 6.98 million, compared to 6.05 million for the first half-year of 2004-05. Seat capacity* also increased by 16 per cent vs. the same period last year.

Emirates SkyCargo’s revenue posted a healthy growth of 33 per cent to Dhs 2.1 billion, with cargo tonnage rising by 20 per cent to 482,643 tonnes, compared with 404,305 tonnes for the same period last year. Emirates now operates seven all-cargo freighters – six Boeing 747s and one A310-300. 

Emirates’ liquidity (including held to maturity investments) on 30th September 2005 was Dhs 9.4 billion ($2.55 billion), an increase of 25 per cent compared to Dhs 7.5 billion ($2.06 billion) six months earlier. This was after paying dividends of Dhs 368 million ($100 million) to the ownership during this period - pertaining to the past financial year - and funding capital outflows of around Dhs 1,221 million ($333 million) that included aircraft pre-delivery payments and other capital items. Emirates successfully raised US$550 million during this period through its debut Sukuk (Islamic bond) issue in June 2005.

Financially self-sustained and unprotected, Emirates is one of the fastest growing and most profitable airlines in the world. 

Since January 2005, Emirates has introduced new passenger services to the Seychelles, Seoul, and Alexandria; and it also increased the frequency of passenger services to some 20 destinations around its network. The airline currently flies to 77 cities in 54 countries and plans to start services to Abidjan, Hamburg and Beijing in the coming months. 

The Emirates fleet presently comprises 83 Boeing and Airbus jets, including 29 Airbus A330-200s, seven Boeing 777-300ERs, 12 Boeing 777-300s, nine Boeing 777-200s, 10 Airbus 340-500s, eight A340-300s, one Airbus A310, and seven freighters - six Boeing 747Fs and one Airbus A310F. 

Its order book of 90 aircraft includes 45 Airbus A380-800s, 23 Boeing 777-300ERs (plus nine options), 20 Airbus A340-600 Higher Gross Weight aircraft, and two Airbus A310Fs - worth a combined USD$27.7 billion at list prices. By 2012 Emirates expects to have twice as many jets in its fleet as it does today, and carry over 33 million passengers annually.