Emirates
Emirates is an Emirati international airline based in the United Arab Emirates. Its network is centred on Dubai International Airport. It is the largest airline within the Emirates Group and operates its network from Dubai International Airport.[1]
The airline uses the IATA code EK, the ICAO code UAE, and the callsign EMIRATES.[2]
Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Country |  United Arab Emirates |
| Status | Operating |
| IATA code | EK |
| ICAO code | UAE |
| Callsign | EMIRATES |
| Founded | 15 March 1985 |
| Operations began | 25 October 1985 |
| Main hub | Dubai International Airport |
| Frequent-flyer programme | Emirates Skywards |
| Alliance | None |
| Parent company | The Emirates Group |
| Headquarters | Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE |
| Official website | emirates.com |
History
The organisation developed through the following major stages. Dates describe the airline or operation covered by this article, including predecessor activity where relevant.[1]
| Date | Development |
| 15 March 1985 | Emirates founded with backing from government of Dubai. |
| 25 October 1985 | First flight from Dubai to Karachi, Pakistan. |
| 3 July 1987 | First owned aircraft delivered, an Airbus A310-300. |
| June 1991 | Acquired slots at London Heathrow after Gulf War. |
| 1996 | First Boeing 777-200 delivered. |
| 2000 | Launched frequent flyer program, Skywards. |
| 14 October 2008 | Moved all operations to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. |
| 13 November 2023 | Finalized order for 90 Boeing 777X aircraft at Dubai Airshow. |
Corporate affairs
Emirates is based in Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE. It is owned by or organised within The Emirates Group. Its commercial activities are managed around the network, fleet, and operating model described in its published corporate information.[1]
The official website provides current schedules, customer information, and company announcements.[3]
Operations
Emirates operates from its principal hub at Dubai International Airport. The source page lists 137 destinations, although this figure changes with seasonal schedules.[1]
Over 3,600 flights per week[1]
Operates in more than 150 cities in 80 countries[1]
World's largest long-haul airline[1]
Largest operator of Airbus A380[1]
Largest operator of Boeing 777[1]
Partnerships
Emirates is not listed as a member of a global airline alliance. It instead relies on bilateral commercial agreements and group relationships where applicable.[1]
Codeshare agreements with Flydubai, Air Mauritius, Qantas[1]
Interline agreements with various airlines including Air Canada, Korean Air[1]
Fleet
The fleet is built around aircraft selected for the airline's passenger or cargo network. The principal families identified by the source include:[1]
| Aircraft family | Typical use |
| Airbus A350-900 | Passenger or cargo operations, depending on configuration |
| Airbus A380 | Passenger or cargo operations, depending on configuration |
| Boeing 777-200LR | Passenger or cargo operations, depending on configuration |
| Boeing 777-300ER | Passenger or cargo operations, depending on configuration |
Aircraft counts and subtypes change as leases end, deliveries arrive, and older equipment is withdrawn.
Former fleet
Aircraft previously associated with the airline include:
Passenger services
The airline's passenger or customer-facing products include:
Emirates Skywards frequent-flyer program[1]
In-flight entertainment system ICE[1]
Dining options available in all classes[1]
Private suites in first class[1]
Branding
Safety history
Notable events recorded in the source include:
On 9 April 2004, Flight 764 overran runway in Johannesburg.[1]
On 3 August 2016, Flight 521 crash-landed in Dubai but all survived.[1]
On 20 March 2009, Flight 407 hit structures during takeoff in Melbourne.[1]
These entries are a selective historical summary and should not be interpreted as a complete safety record.
See also
List of airlines of United Arab Emirates