Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has announced a year-long program of activities and humanitarian initiatives to mark 2018 as the Year of Zayed.
Etihadโs headquarters in Abu Dhabi inaugurated its Year of Zayed activities by holding a flag-raising ceremony attended by employees. The aviation groupโs offices and buildings around the world are now adorned with Sheikh Zayedโs inspiring quote: “The union is our ticket to power and prosperityโ.
The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2018 the Year of Zayed, a nationwide initiative, which will highlight the UAE founding fatherโs unparalleled role in establishing the UAE Federation, and his local, regional and international achievements as well as his values and principles.
Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President Abu Dhabi Airport, and General Manager of Etihad Airport Ground Services, who also serves as Chairman of Etihad Airwaysโ Sports and Social Committee, and CSR strategy said: โWe are tremendously proud of the rapid growth of Abu Dhabi and the union. All the people of the UAE are, and will always remain the most important element of our nationโs development. This was our father Sheikh Zayedโs main objective and vision.
In support of the national initiative, and to reaffirm its commitment to the UAE, Etihad has launched a strategy based on the governmentโs four Year of Zayed pillars: Wisdom, Respect, Sustainability and Human Development.
To celebrate the event, Etihad has released a short film (below) titled โRunning Boyโ to honor Sheikh Zayedโs legacy of human development in the UAE. The film follows a boy who runs through surroundings, which change through the years in celebration of the 46 years that have passed since the inception of the UAE.
Etihad will also pay tribute to Sheikh Zayedโs humanitarian spirit by planning initiatives focused on supporting societies and urban developments in many countries.
The first of many year-long initiatives is the Rohingya-focused charity campaign this month supporting Burmese children and families fleeing to Bangladesh. This will include a welfare trip to Bangladesh where more than 3000ย refugees will receive winter clothes, blankets, tents, and solar lamp power.
Etihad will also continue its ongoing efforts to promote an eco-friendly environment within the UAE with the establishment of five greenhouses as part of its โGreener Togetherโ campaign.
Inspired by Sheikh Zayedโs vision of the empowerment of youth, Etihad will support the establishment of libraries and skill development centres in a number of countries including Nepal, Morocco, Philippines andย India, and will continue driving its global education initiative by supporting the refurbishment of elementary schools on Samboja Island in Indonesia. Etihadโs global education campaign was launched in 2012 and has since helped more than 100,000 students around the world to continue their education.
A number of events to showcase values and tolerance are planned in the UAE this year, including an International Womenโs Day celebration at Etihadโs headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and marking International Tolerance Day in November.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by Etihad Airways):ย Etihad Airways Airbus A380-861 A6-APC (msn 176) LHR (SPA). Image: 928998.
Emirates, the worldโs largest international airline, is concluding another banner year of growth and innovation, marking significant milestones across its fleet, network, and product innovation initiatives, cementing its position as a market leader and industry trendsetter.
Since January 2017, Emirates has carried over 59 million passengers. The airline served over 63 million meals on its flights departing Dubai*, and moved over 35 million pieces of baggage in Dubai to its network of 156 destinations.
Emirates registered over 3,600 passenger flights on average per week, or over 191,000 flights in 2017, travelling more than 886 million kilometres around the globe, which is equivalent to over 16,000 trips to Mars.
Reflecting on the year, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said:ย โDespite the ups and downs of 2017, Emirates delivered steady growth and we have come out stronger and even more resilient. Throughout the year, we challenged convention and acted nimbly to mitigate challenges and maximise opportunities. We implemented initiatives to boost revenues, trim costs, and used emerging technologies to make our business and operations more agile, without compromising on quality or service. We enter 2018 with optimism, and an unflagging drive to keep raising the bar in terms of customer experience and business performance.โ
Fleet Milestones and Investments
Emirates grew its fleet by 21 new aircraft in 2017, with 9 A380 and 12 Boeing 777-300ER deliveries, rounding off the year with 269 aircraft, and 243 aircraft pending delivery. The airline also retired 11 aircraft over the course of the year.
The airline marked 9 years of A380 operations and also celebrated its 100th A380 delivery milestone in November, strengthening Emiratesโ position as the worldโs largest operator of the iconic double-decker aircraft.ย The Emirates A380 has carried over 90 million passengers since its introduction in 2008.
Powering its fleet expansion and future growth, Emirates made global headlines at the Dubai Airshow when it placed a US $15.1 billion for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The order will enable the airline to maintain a young and efficient fleet, complementing its Boeing 777 and A380 fleet by providing more flexibility to serve a host of new destinations and help unlock further growth.
To meet the growing demand for highly skilled commercial pilots, 2017 also saw the opening of the Emirates Flight Training Academy, one of the most advanced aviation training facilities in the world providing a complete integration of next-generation flight training. Emiratesโ investment in the academy underscores its commitment to support and develop pilots for its own operations as well as for the broader aviation industry.
Boosting Connectivityย
Emirates expanded its network to 156 destinations in 2017, with the addition of three new passenger destinations: Newark, USA via Athens; Zagreb, Croatia; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
In addition, Emirates boosted frequencies and upgraded capacity to several points across its network, reaffirming the airlineโs commitment to offer greater choice and connections for its customers.
Emirates expanded the number of cities served by its flagship A380 in 2017 aircraft to 48, with the launch of five new A380 destinations: Tokyo-Narita, Casablanca and Sรฃo Paulo, Nice and Johannesburg.ย Emirates also layered on more A380 services to the schedules of existing points and also led one-offย A380 services to four destinations: Boston, Colombo, Warsaw and Bahrain.
In July, Emirates entered into a significant partnership with FlyDubai, which includes an extensive codeshare agreement, strategic schedule alignment, as well as optimising synergies to eventually offer travellers access to over 200 destinations on the combined networks of both airlines. In October, Emirates and Qantas announced the extension of their successful partnership until 2023, with proposed network changes that would deliver greater year-round frequency and more services to Australia and New Zealand.
Emirates SkyCargo also continues to play an integral role in the airlineโs expanding operations, and in 2017 carried 2.5 million tonnes of freight. Emirates SkyCargo created new benchmarks in the air cargo industry with its specialised transportation solutions for industry verticals, including pharmaceuticals. With the introduction of Emirates Pharma, the carrier saw a 38% growth in the volume of pharmaceutical cargo its launch. In May, Emirates SkyCargo and Cargolux Airlines entered into a strategic operational partnership, the first of its kind in the air cargo industry, which saw both carriers working closely on a number of operational aspects including enhancing capacity from key markets, optimising networks as well as boosting belly cargo feeder traffic and hub connectivity capabilities. In October, the two carriers extended the partnership with a codeshare agreement.
Trendsetting Customer Initiatives
Emirates pursued its product and service goals in 2017 with an unwavering focus on providing a strong customer-centric proposition.
The year began with Emiratesโ operations being challenged by short-notice changes to entry requirements into the US, the cabin electronics ban and updated security measures. Emirates responded by introducing a complimentary tablet and laptop handling service on the ground, and providing a tablet loan service to its premium passengers onboard.
In March, the airline launched its enhanced A380 Onboard Lounge, featuring an airier look and feel; new seating arrangements; private yacht-inspired dรฉcor, as well as new high-tech touches including lighting and surround sound.
In November, Emirates unveiled its game-changing, fully enclosed Boeing 777-300ER First Class private suites (above), part of a multi-million dollar upgrade that saw enhancements across all cabin classes.ย Inspired by the Mercedes Benz S-Class, the suites offer up to 40 square feet of private space, as well as personal lighting and climate control features. World-firsts include a NASA inspired โzero-gravityโ seating position, and virtual windows in the middle aisle which project an outside view using real-time camera technology. First Class passengers also have the luxury of easily communicating with cabin crew through the personal video-call function.
Over 10 million passengers connected to Wi-Fi onboard Emirates flights in 2017, reinforcing the importance of connectivity in the air. Emiratesโ industry leading inflight entertainment system, ice, closed the year with over 3,000 channels of entertainment, and continued to win accolades with its 13th consecutive Worldโs Best Inflight Entertainment award at Skytrax World Airline Awards 2017.
In Economy Class, Emirates introduced sustainable blankets made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, making it the largest on board sustainable blanket programme in the airline industry. The soft and warm blankets are made using ecoTHREADโข patented technology with each blanket made from 28 recycled plastic bottles.
Focusing on seasonal and regional flavors, Emirates unveiled a variety of special menus and dishes for occasions including Ramadan, Easter, Chinese New Year, Oktoberfest, Diwali, and Christmas.
On the ground, Emirates expanded its lounge network with the opening of new facilities at Boston Logan International Airport taking the total number of dedicated Emirates Lounges globally to 41. It also refurbished existing lounges in Singapore and Bangkok. In addition, Emirates opened pay-per-visit access to its lounges at Dubai International Airport for its Skywards members and their guests, regardless of their class of travel. As a result, more than 4 million passengers have been able to experience Emiratesโ seven lounges in Dubai in the past year. Emirates also partnered with BMW Group to provide luxury automobiles for its complimentary Chauffeur-drive service for Business Class passengers in the UAE.
Improving the on-ground customer experience further, Emirates and its partners announced the โTogetherโ initiative, a collaboration for a streamlined airport experience with the implementation biometric technology and new automated border control gates, expediting a smoother passenger flow through vital touch-points at Dubai International Airport.
Emirates Skywards, the airlineโs popular loyalty program, hit the 19 million member mark mid-2017, with over 40 billion Miles cashed in for upgrades, reward flights, culture and sports events, as well as benefits and privileges across the programmeโs network of partners. Over 400,000 upgrades were redeemed by Emirates Skywards members in 2017, brought about by easier access through digital channels. The year has also seen the introduction of a number of new air, travel and lifestyle partners with a seamless online and mobile earn and redemption customer experience, including a first in the use of blockchain technology in the loyalty space.
Making it easier for customers to access their flight information and manage their travel, Emirates launched a completely redesigned mobile app and web experience which included a more simplified booking process, check-in experience, Live Chat options, as well as instant redemption options for Skywards members.
Emiratesโ continual efforts to deliver the best possible customer experience were rewarded when it was recognised as the Best Airline in the World in the inaugural TripAdvisor Travelersโ Choiceยฎ Awards for Airlines.
Building on brand success
Emirates continued to invest in its brand. In August, Emirates extended its title partnership with the prestigious FA Cup through to 2021. That same month, the airline renewed its European Tour Agreement for another four years. The new deal includes Emirates becoming an Official Partner of the 2018 Ryder Cup, an event which brings together 24 of the top golfers from Europe and the USA.
In October, Emirates launched a US$15 million campaign to inspire travel and promote the airlineโs extensive network of global destinations including its home, Dubai. The campaign used the classic tune, โDonโt stop me nowโ by British rock band Queen, and the ads utilized clever filming techniques, shifting between key destinations and Emiratesโ onboard experiences, to tell a story of โa picture within a pictureโ.
In November, the airline rolled out TV celebrity Jeremy Clarkson for its global ad campaign, drawing on Clarksonโs humour and motoring credentials to launch its new fully enclosed First Class suites inspired by Mercedes Benz.
During the Dubai Airshow, Emirates offered spectators a special fly-past that featured its Boeing 777-300ER and A380 performing a flying display with the UAEโs air display team, Al Fursan. Both the Emirates 777-300ER and A380 flying display aircraft were emblazoned with the HH Sheikh Zayed decal as a tribute to the late founding father of the UAE.
*Flight figures are for the calendar year 2017
*Catering figures cover meals loaded at Dubai International only. This does not include meals loaded at other destinations.
*Baggage figures cover Dubai International only
Top Copyright Photo:ย Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EUA (msn 211) (Arsenal Football Club) LGW (Antony J. Best). Image: 938174.
Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have reached an agreement to deepen their historic partnership, with an expanded trans-Pacific network that will increase travel choices and boost competition between the U.S. and Asia.
The airlines signed a memorandum of understanding to implement a joint venture arrangement, which will offer customers access to the most comprehensive route network, industry-leading airline products, world-class airport facilities and a seamless customer experience.
Highlights of the agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, include:
The intent to create a fully integrated trans-Pacific joint venture arrangement, with both airlines sharing the costs and revenues on flights and coordinating schedules for seamless, convenient connections.
A combined network, serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia, providing customers of both airlines with more travel choices than ever before.
Enhanced frequent flyer benefits, providing customers of both airlines the ability to earn and redeem miles on Deltaโs Sky Miles and Korean Airโs SKYPASS programs.
Upon the signing of the final joint venture arrangement, Delta and Korean Air will work together to implement all aspects of the enhanced co-operation including expanded codesharing, frequent flyer programs and joint growth in the trans-Pacific market, with co-location at key hubs with seamless passenger and baggage transit experience.
Delta will be launching new nonstop service between Atlanta and Seoul in June 2017, a flight that complements Korean Airโs existing service, providing customers in the U.S. with greater access to destinations across Asia.
At the same time Korean Air will continue to expand its U.S. โ Korea network in summer 2017 with the introduction of a third roundtrip between Los Angeles and Seoul, as well as a second flight between San Francisco and Seoul.
Top Copyright Photo:ย Delta Air Lines Boeing 777-232 LR N709DN (msn 40559) PAE (Nick Dean). Image: 904715.
Delta:
Bottom Copyright Photo:ย Korean Air Airbus A380-861 HL7612 (msn 039) LAX (Sam Chui). Image: 908571.
Emirates on July 1, 2016 launched its second daily Airbus A380 flight to Los Angeles. A6-EON had the honors and was decorated in a new special “Official Airline of the Los Angeles Dodgers” livery for the occasion.
Previously on February 20, 2016ย Emirates announced that it has become the Official Airline Sponsor of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This new deal expands Emiratesโ international footprint as a supporter of sports and culture, marking the airlineโs entry into the world of baseball, a sport with deep roots in American history and culture.
As the Official Airline partner, Emirates will have home plate and foul pole signage and will open a new Emirates Lounge, a 70 person hospitality space for Emirates and guests. In addition, Emirates will feature in-game activations, occasional ceremonial first pitches and fan appreciation activities. To extend the partnership, the Dodgers will be sponsoring the Dubai Little League All Star Travel Teams, which will now go by the name the Dubai Dodgers.
This new partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers continues Emiratesโ momentum in the realm of sport, with the airline having made its mark on soccer as a sponsor of some of the worldโs premier teams including AC Milan, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Olympiacos FC, Hamburger SV, and Paris Saint-Germain. In recent years, Emirates has also expanded its presence in tennis with a sponsorship portfolio that includes the US Open, the Emirates Airline US Open Series, the Australian Open, the Emirates Airline Australian Open Series as well as the French Open. Emirates is also the Premier Partner of the ATP which provides net branding at every menโs event globally and the Emirates Rankings. In the U.S., Emirates also is the main sponsor of the New York Cosmos, the USA Rugby Team and the San Francisco Symphony.
As the worldโs largest international airline, Emirates helps bring people closer together, not only through the provision of air transport services, but also by supporting global sports and cultural events that have the ability to connect people from all walks of life via a shared passion. With the Los Angeles Dodgers partnership, Emirates is showing its commitment to California by supporting a great local team that many people in the state and beyond are passionate about.
Emirates first launched services between its hub in Dubai and Los Angeles in 2008 with a Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft. As demand grew, in 2013 Emirates began flying the revolutionary double-decked A380 aircraft to serve LA travelers.
Starting July 1, 2016, Emirates added a second daily A380 service to Los Angeles, offering a total of 980 seats per day flying from Los Angeles International Airport to Dubai. This will create more choice for travelers flying abroad, and opportunities for many more international travelers to visit California.
Copyright Photo:ย Emirates Airline Airbus A380-861 A6-EON (msn 188) (Official Airline of the Los Angeles Dodgers) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 933630.
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