Emirates Airline

Who could have imagined that when Emirates-sponsored Arsenal FC played Etihad-sponsored Manchester City FC in the Premier League in 2012, Arsenal fans would goad their rivals by singing “We’ve got the A380!”?

Emirates Airline, which featured actress Jennifer Aniston in its most iconic commercials, has achieved global eminence by building an exemplary operation. Starting with only AED36.8 million ($10 million) in start-up capital in 1985, the company now flies 272 aircraft to over 155 destinations in 80 countries across six continents. Having served 289 million passengers in 2017, it is one of the busiest airlines in the world.

In 2017, Emirates introduced its 100th A380 plane to its fleet. At the Dubai Airshow that year, Emirates placed a $15.1 billion order for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and unveiled completely refurbished interiors for its B777 aircraft, which included the highly anticipated First Class private suites. Emirates’ success is reflected in its financial performance. For the financial year ending March 31, 2018, the company reported a profit of AED2.8 billion ($762 million), 124 percent better than the previous year.

The brand maintains its emotional connection with users through endorsing multiple sports around the world, including cricket, rugby, horse racing, tennis, sailing and basketball, in addition to football. Launched in 2003 to consolidate the company’s philanthropic endeavours, the Emirates Airline Foundation is dedicated to supply disadvantaged children with improved health, food, education and housing. It currently runs 23 global projects, which include supporting children with special needs in Dubai and erecting a school in Kenya.