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Emirates is the international airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based in Dubai, Emirates is renowned for its phenomenal growth, in little over two decades it has grown from just two leased aircraft to a fleet of more than one hundred carrying almost 18 million passengers annually.

Established in 1985 by the Dubai government, Emirates began its operations with flights to Karachi and Mumbai. With delivery of a new fleet of Airbus aircraft, Emirates expanded into Europe in the late 1980's, routes to the Far East and Australasia soon followed as Emirates continued to develop and expand ahead of its competitors.

Emirates has been very profitable in every year of operations except for one and annual growth has always exceeded 20 per cent. Although still owned by the Dubai government, contrary to popular belief, it is not subsidised in any way.

Today Emirates flies to over 90 destinations in 60 countries and with over 100 new aircraft on order including 47 new A380 super jumbos, this is certainly set to increase. At present, Emirates accounts for over 50 per cent of all flight movements at Dubai airport and this is expected to rise to 70 per cent by 2010 as it aims to develop Dubai into a global long-haul hub.

Emirates has a comprehensive route network throughout the Middle East, Europe, Indian sub continent, Indian Ocean, Far East, Africa and Australasia. From the UK, daily flights to Dubai operate from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle allowing connections to onward international destinations. The Americas, China and Africa are likely to be the focus of future growth when Emirates takes delivery of its many new aircraft.

Business Class

Emirates offers a unique complimentary Chauffeur Drive service which not only provides personal transport to your departure airport but also at selected worldwide destinations and stopover points en route. Dedicated lounges at Heathrow, Gatwick and Dubai offer a range of food and refreshments, a fully equipped business area, shower facilities and television viewing areas.

On board Emirates Airbus new A340-500 aircraft, there are two separate business class cabins to provide greater privacy and a high level of personal attention from the cabin crew. The recliner-style seat is wider and with an integral privacy hood and a built-in massager. Entertainment is provided by an AVOD (Audio/Visual on Demand) system with over 600 channels showing movies, television programmes as well as a large selection of audio tracks and games, all shown on a 15 inch screen.

The business class cabin on Emirates other aircraft consists of a recliner-style sleeperette seat with footrest, lumbar support and adjustable winged headrest. A personal video system with a library of 50 films is provided in addition to 15 television and 26 audio channels.

A varied 6-course menu is served onboard together with complimentary canapes and a selection of fine wines and variety of soft drinks.

Wireless email access is provided on board Emirates A340-500 aircraft and all aircraft boast individual in-seat phones and a seatback SMS and email messaging service.