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Dubai, UAE: 1 October 2018 – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, today celebrated the inaugural flight of its new service between Dubai and Edinburgh. The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER touched down in the Scottish capital just before 3pm local time, making Edinburgh the airline’s second destination in Scotland and the eighth in the United Kingdom.

Emirates flight EK023, with a group of VIP guests and media on board, was welcomed by Edinburgh Airport with a water cannon salute.

To celebrate the new service, Emirates and Edinburgh Airport held a launch event hosted by Hubert Frach, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West, and Richard Jewsbury, Divisional Vice President, UK, alongside Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport.

“Today’s flight marks the start of greater connectivity and more convenience for leisure and business travellers from the wider Edinburgh area and locations further afield, such as Aberdeen and Dundee, to destinations across Emirates’ global network via Dubai. While for inbound travellers, particularly from cities in Asia and Australia, there is now a direct flight option to Scotland’s most visited city by tourists,” said Mr Frach. “In addition to tourism, the new flight will also directly connect Edinburgh to new opportunities for business, trade and education across our network.”

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Airport, said: “This is a great day for Scotland and Edinburgh. We know the power of connectivity – the more we can connect with cities and countries across the globe, the more opportunity for passengers. It makes our country stronger and culturally richer.

“Our partnership with a world class brand like Emirates strengthens and grows our country’s connectivity and we look forward to working with them to the benefit of passengers across the world. We’ve built our success on making Edinburgh where Scotland meets the world and today’s flight see us take a major step on that journey.”

The Boeing 777 deployed on the route has a three-class cabin configuration, with eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class. As with all Emirates’ flights to the UK, customers will enjoy the more than 3500 channels of on demand audio and visual entertainment on the airline’s award-winning ice system, as well as the warm hospitality from its multinational cabin crew.

Other destinations which Emirates serves in the UK, include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow.

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Dubai – 2 October, 2018: The Emirates A380 aircraft made a historic touch down at the Kotoka International Airport’s Terminal 3, as a one-off service to the new terminal. The airline’s flagship double-decker has become the first-ever scheduled A380 service to Ghana, demonstrating the airport’s readiness to accommodate the A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger jet.

The special Emirates A380 flight was operated by Accra-born Ghanaian, Capt Solomon Quainoo and UAE national, First Officer Faisal Alhammadi.

The A380 flight, operating as EK 787, was joined by a top-level delegation led by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations - Africa, H.E. Ahmed Ramadan – Ambassador of Ghana to the U.A.E, Simon Atieku - Vice Council of Ghana (Dubai & N.E) - Consulate General of Ghana, Akwasi Abayie Adomako - Minister – Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Ghana, Hesham Abdulla Qassim Al Qassim – CEO - Wasl Group & Vice Chairman – ENBD, Vinay Malhotra – Chief Operating Officer, VFS, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Hamad Ibrahim Abdalla Al Maazmi – Dept. of Naturalisation & Residency Dubai, Majed Sultan Murad Ali Al Joker - Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs, Dubai Airports.

Upon landing at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the aircraft was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute, and the Emirates delegation was welcomed by government officials and airport executives. After a welcoming ceremony, government officials, VIPs, media and members of the travel industry were given a guided tour of the A380 by Emirates cabin crew.

Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Africa said: “We are honoured to bring our flagship A380 to the impressive new terminal at Kotoka International Airport, as it demonstrates its full capabilities with the handling of the first A380 aircraft. Accra is an important destination in Africa and we remain committed to providing our customers in Ghana with the world class services we are known for. The Emirates A380 has been at the centre of innovation, and bringing this popular aircraft to Accra is a significant milestone in our operations to Ghana, where we will soon celebrate 15 successful years. We thank the Ghanaian government, the Ministry of Aviation and the government authorities whose support has been instrumental in making today’s one-off service a success.”

Emirates commenced operations to Ghana in January 2004 and flies to Accra daily from Dubai. Close to 1.6 million passengers have flown the Dubai – Accra route since its start, with popular destinations being China, India and the United Kingdom via its Dubai hub. Since 2006, Emirates SkyCargo has transported a total of over 73,000 tonnes of cargo from and into Ghana. The air cargo carrier has facilitated exports of over 41,000 tonnes from the country in the same time period. Major commodities exported include fruits and precious metals.

This year marks the Emirates A380’s 10th anniversary, and the iconic aircraft has transformed flying over 96 million passengers on over 106,000 flights. The Emirates A380 to Accra operated in a three-class configuration, with 426 seats in Economy Class on the main deck, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 14 First Class Private Suites on the upper deck. In addition to spacious seats, free onboard Wi-Fi and award-winning inflight entertainment in all cabins, the Emirates’ A380 is renowned for its First Class Private Suites, Shower Spas and Onboard Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers, offering a wide range of drinks and canapés, as well as space to socialise or simply relax.

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Beirut, Lebanon – 09 October 2018 – Emirates is offering travellers in Lebanon special Business class companion fares to 15 destinations across its network. The offers are valid for bookings until 31 October 2018, for travel until 20 December 2018.

The special fares are available for two to eight people booking and flying together in Business Class. Fares from Lebanon start from USD 3626 per person to Phuket, to New York for USD 3660 per person, to Kuala Lumpur and Sydney for USD 3765 per person.*

In addition to great fares, all Emirates Business Class travellers can enjoy lounge access in Dubai, a generous 40kg baggage allowance, as well as dedicated check-in and baggage handling.

Customers on Emirates flights can enjoy award winning service and hospitality from the airline’s multinational cabin crew, an in-flight entertainment system with up to 3,500 channels and up to 20MB complimentary on-board Wi-Fi, LIVE TV, as well as regionally inspired meals on-board prepared by award-winning chefs. Families with young children are also well cared for with special services and products to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience, from free toys to kid’s meals and entertainment.

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Dubai, UAE – 10 October 2018: Take home a piece of Emirates’ iconic First Class amenities this month. Shop at the Emirates Official Store for some of the airline’s most exclusive items, provided exclusively as part of the First Class travel experience. From Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones, hydra-active sleepwear pyjamas and warm, fluffy blankets – ultimate travel luxury products are right at your doorstep!

Bowers & Wilkins PX Headphones

The Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones are made to suit every environment you’re in. With 22 hours of battery life, and 3 noise cancellation modes – these headphones have you covered whether you’re in the office, city streets or any flight. Available in two colours with an exclusive Emirates travel case – grab a pair quickly before your next adventure!

Available in all Emirates Official Stores and www.emirates.store, these must-have headphones retail at AED 1,799.

Hydra-active Sleepwear (First Class Pyjamas)

Relax in the world’s first moisturizing sleepwear range to ever be developed for an airline, and drift off like you’re up at 40,000 feet in hydra-active sleepwear pyjamas. Designed to prevent skin dehydration, you’ll feel rested and refreshed every morning. The fabric is crafted with the use of natural ingredients – Shea Buter and Argan Oil – which are released with every motion, keeping your skin moisturized and protected. The patented Microcapsule Technology locks in the natural benefits, allowing you to wash the pyjamas and use them again them again.

Catering to female and male sizes – the pyjamas come in four sizes and in a jersey travel pack. The dark grey men’s pyjamas come with wide leg pant and ribbed collar, while the female’s pyjamas come in a light grey tapered pant and reverse darker colour collar.

Available in all Emirates Official Stores and www.emirates.store, the First Class pyjamas retail at AED 200 per piece.

First Class Blanket

As the winter and the festive season approaches, grab yourself a warm blanket for those special chilly nights spent at home with family and friends. When open, the cream coloured, furry blanket has armholes and pockets to keep hands and feet warm. This essential item can also be converted into a travel pillow, providing ultimate comfort and support for the neck.

Available in all Emirates Official Stores and www.emirates.store, the First Class blankets retail at AED 225.

*All Emirates Official Store products shipped globally will be subject to USD 30

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Emirates Group announces half-year performance for 2018-19

• Group: Revenue up 10% to AED 54.4 billion (US$ 14.8 billion), and profit of AED 1.1 billion (US$ 296 million), down 53%. Results impacted by significant increase in fuel cost, unfavourable currency movements, and one-time transaction in dnata.
• Emirates: Revenue up 10% to AED 48.9 billion (US$ 13.3 billion), and profit decline of 86% to AED 226 million (US$ 62 million). 30.1 million passengers carried, up 3%, on overall capacity expansion of 3%. Dubai’s attraction as a destination remains strong with the airline carrying 9% more customers to its hub city.
• dnata: Revenue up 11% to AED 7.0 billion (US$ 1.9 billion), profit up 31% to AED 861 million (US$ 235 million) includes gain of AED 320 million from one-time transaction. Without this transaction, the profit recorded would be down 18% compared to last year. 350,052 aircraft handled, up 6%, 1.5 million tonnes of cargo handled, up 2%.

DUBAI, U.A.E., 15 November 2018: The Emirates Group today announced its half-year results for 2018-19. The Group saw steady revenue growth compared to the same period last year, however profits were impacted by the significant rise in oil prices, and unfavourable currency movements in certain markets, amidst other challenges for the airline and travel industry.

The Emirates Group revenue was AED 54.4 billion (US$ 14.8 billion) for the first six months of its 2018-19 financial year, up 10% from AED 49.4 billion (US$ 13.5 billion) during the same period last year.

Profitability was down 53% compared to the same period last year, with the Group reporting a 2018-19 half-year net profit of AED 1.1 billion (US$ 296 million). The profit erosion was primarily due to the significant increase in fuel prices of 37% compared to the same period last year, as well as the negative impact of currencies in certain markets.

The Group’s cash position on 30th September 2018 was at AED 21.5 billion (US$ 5.9 billion), compared to AED 25.4 billion (US$ 6.9 billion) as at 31st March 2018.

His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Emirates and dnata grew steadily in the first half of 2018-19. Demand for our high quality products and services remained healthy, as we won new and return customers across our businesses and this is reflected in our revenue performance. However, the high fuel cost as well as currency devaluations in markets like India, Brazil, Angola and Iran, wiped approximately AED 4.6 billion from our profits.

“We are proactively managing the myriad challenges faced by the airline and travel industry, including the relentless downward pressure on yields, and uncertain economic and political realities in our region and in other parts of the world. We are keeping a tight rein on controllable costs and will continue to drive efficiency improvement through the implementation of new technology and business processes.

“The next six months will be tough, but the Emirates Group’s foundations remain strong. I’m pleased to note that our home and hub in Dubai continues to attract travel demand, as the airline saw 9% more customers enjoying Dubai as a destination in the first half of 2018-19 compared to the same period last year. We expect this demand to remain healthy as new attractions come online and the city gears up for Dubai Expo 2020. Moving forward we are firmly focussed on sustaining our business. We will do this by being agile to capitalise on opportunities, and investing to serve our customers even better with high quality products that they value.”

In the past six months, the Group’s employee base reduced by 1% compared to 31 March 2018, from an overall average staff count of 103,363 to 101,983. This was largely a result of natural attrition, together with a slower pace of recruitment as the business continues its various internal programmes to improve efficiency through the implementation of new technology and workflows.

Emirates airline

During the first six months of 2018-19, Emirates received 8 wide-body aircraft – 3 Airbus A380s, and 5 Boeing 777s, with 5 more new aircraft scheduled to be delivered before the end of the financial year. It also retired 7 older aircraft from its fleet with further 4 to be returned by 31 March 2019. The airline’s long-standing strategy to invest in the most advanced wide-body aircraft enables it to improve overall efficiency and provide better customer experiences.

Emirates continues to offer ever better connections for its customers across the globe with just one stop in Dubai.

In the first six months of its financial year, Emirates launched new passenger services to Stansted (UK) and Santiago (Chile). It also introduced a new linked service from Dubai via Bali to Auckland. As of 30 September, Emirates’ global network spanned 161 destinations in 85 countries. Its fleet stood at 269 aircraft including freighters.

Emirates further developed its partnership with flydubai, offering customers even more benefits as both airlines combined their loyalty programme under Emirates Skywards. Customers also enjoy new flight choices as Emirates and flydubai continued to leverage their complementary networks to optimise flight schedules and offer new city-pair connections through Dubai, as well as open new routes including Kinshasa (Congo), Krakow (Poland), and Catania (Italy) in the first half of 2018-19.

Overall capacity during the first six months of the year increased a modest 3% to 31.8 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM). Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), grew by 4%, whilst passenger traffic carried measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) was up 6% with average Passenger Seat Factor rising to 78.8%, compared with last year’s 77.2%.

Emirates carried 30.1 million passengers between 1 April and 30 September 2018, up 3% from the same period last year. The volume of cargo uplifted at 1.3 million tonnes is largely unchanged while yield improved by a healthy 11% .This performance is the result of Emirates SkyCargo’s focussed investments in products and services tailored to key sectors, which gives it a strong competitive edge in a recovering global air freight market.

In the first half of the 2018-19 financial year, Emirates net profit is AED 226 million (US$ 62 million), down 86%, compared to last year. Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of AED 48.9 billion (US$ 13.3 billion) was up 10% compared with the AED 44.5 billion (US$ 12.1 billion) recorded during the same period last year. This result was driven by increased agility in capacity deployment, and improved seat load factors despite fare increases reflect the healthy customer demand for Emirates’ products.

Emirates operating costs grew by 13% against the overall capacity increase of 3%. On average, fuel costs were 42% higher compared to the same period last year, this was largely due to an increase in oil prices (up 37% compared to same period last year), as well as an increase in fuel uplift of 4% due to Emirates’ expanding fleet operations. Fuel remained the largest component of the airline’s cost, accounting for 33% of operating costs compared with 26% in the first six months of last year.

dnata

dnata saw steady growth across its global businesses which now span over 35 countries. In the first half of 2018-19, dnata’s international operations accounted for over 68% of its revenue.

dnata’s revenue, including other operating income, is AED 7.0 billion (US$ 1.9 billion), an 11% increase compared to AED 6.3 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) last year. This performance was underpinned by robust organic business growth, particularly in its international airport operations business.

Overall profit for dnata is up by 31% to AED 861 million (US$ 235 million). This includes gains from a one-time transaction where dnata divested its 22% stake in the travel management company Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), during HRG’s acquisition by Amex Travel Business Group. Without this one-time transaction, dnata profits will be down 18% compared to the same period last year.

dnata’s airport operations remains the largest contributor to revenue with AED 3.6 billion (US$ 976 million), a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. Across its operations, the number of aircraft handled by dnata increased by 6% to 350,052, and it handled 1.5 million tonnes of cargo, up 2%.

This reflects new customer contracts won across the network and strong business performance in key markets including USA, UK, UAE, Australia, and Italy. In the first six months of 2018-19, dnata strengthened its Italian operations by increasing its share in Airport Handling SPA, a Milan-based ground handler, from 30% to 70%. It also launched passenger handling operations at New York-JFK. In the UAE, dnata acquired a majority stake in DUBZ, a baggage storage and delivery service company which expands its service offering to travellers.

dnata's travel division contributed AED 1.7 billion (US$ 456 million) to revenue, up 9% from the same period last year. The division’s underlying net sales increased by 6% to AED 5.9 billion (US$ 1.6 billion).

This performance was driven by strong results from the travel division’s UAE operations, revenue contributions from Destination Asia which dnata acquired in September 2017, and healthy business in UK which was also boosted by a stronger Pound Sterling against the US dollar. At the end of September, dnata entered the German market with its acquisition of Tropo, a tour operator specialising in travel packages, last minute holidays and hotel reservations.

dnata’s flight catering operation, contributed AED 1.1 billion (US$ 311 million) to its total revenue, up 4%. The number of meals uplifted increased by 2% to 31.0 million meals for the first half of the financial year.

Downward pressure on yields, particularly in its Australian operations, was offset by a healthy performance from its Alpha Group operations as well as higher meal volumes through increased business in the UK, Romania, Czech Republic and Sharjah (UAE).

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Emirates Skywards rolls out offer to fast track tier status

• Emirates Skywards members earn bonus Tier Miles on Emirates or flydubai flights booked and flown during the offer period
• Members can unlock benefits of next Emirates Skywards tier sooner

Dubai, UAE- 26 November 2018 - Members of Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, can now achieve their next Emirates Skywards tier faster thanks to an exciting new offer to earn up to double Tier Miles on flights.

The offer is valid for eligible tickets booked between 26 November and 03 December 2018 (both days inclusive) for travel on Emirates or flydubai flights between 26 November 2018 and 31 March 2019. To be eligible for the promotion, customers must be existing or new members of Emirates Skywards and register for the offer via the Emirates App or by logging into their account online at emirates.com or flydubai.com. Customers must also choose ‘Flex’ or ‘Flex Plus’ fares when flying on Emirates and ‘Free to Change’ or ‘Business Basic’ fares when travelling on flydubai to be eligible to earn bonus Tier Miles.

Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership - Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum - each with unique incremental benefits for members including dedicated check-in, priority boarding, lounge access, complimentary advanced seat selection and special Wi-Fi privileges. Members build up their tier status by earning Tier Miles on flights flown with Emirates or flydubai.

“We always strive to provide greater value to our customers and offer them access to a much wider range of benefits and rewards,” said Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice President, Emirates Skywards. “Through our latest offer, a first of this scale and reach, Emirates Skywards members will be able to accrue bonus Tier Miles from flights and this means that they can reach their next Emirates Skywards tier faster,” he added.

Based on the fare type chosen and the class of travel, Emirates Skywards members may be able to able to move up one or even two Emirates Skywards tiers over the course of a return journey.

As an illustration, a new Emirates Skywards Blue tier member completing a return flight between London and Sydney, or New York and Johannesburg, on an Economy Class Flex or Flex Plus fare will be able to earn sufficient Tier Miles to upgrade to Silver tier through this offer. On a Business Class Flex or Flex Plus fare, the same member will earn enough Tier Miles to immediately achieve Skywards Gold tier.

In addition, all members will continue to earn Skywards Miles on flights which can then be redeemed on Emirates or flydubai or used to access a wide range of rewards with Emirates Skywards partner airlines, hotels, retail and lifestyle outlets across the world. Customers can also pool up to 100% of their Skywards Miles under the ‘My Family’ programme to redeem rewards faster than before.

Currently, Emirates Skywards has over 23 million global members. The programme continues to deliver value, choice and flexibility to its members through its strategic global and local partnerships including co-branded cards and through more personalised and targeted offers including access to unique money-can’t-buy-experiences at events worldwide.

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Emirates invests in latest bus fleet to enhance on-ground comfort for Economy Class passengers
Dubai, UAE, 27 November 2018 – To provide passengers with even more comfortable transfers when they arrive, depart or transit at Dubai international Airport, Emirates has taken the initiative to bring in a fleet of new high tech buses for airside passenger operations.

These new dedicated buses will ferry Emirates’ passengers between the terminals and its aircraft at remote stands. Ten of these new buses are already in service. 30 more will be delivered by January 2019, with the entire fleet to comprise 128 buses by 2020.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer said: “In line with our “Fly Better” brand promise, Emirates has taken the decision to invest in our own customised buses to transport customers airside at our Dubai airport hub. Together with our latest transport management system, these new buses will enable us to provide our valued customers with a more comfortable ride and smoother connections.”

Fly better, ride better

Emirates is the first airline in the world to introduce airside buses that have equal standing and seating capacity, a significant improvement on standard airside transfer buses which usually prioritise standing room and offer minimal seating.

The new fleet of buses also have convenient ramp access and fold-up seats to make travel more comfortable for customers who use wheelchairs or are travelling with baby strollers. Other customised features include: ambient lighting, an intercom facility to contact the driver, microphones for announcements, and flight information systems inside the buses which display the latest information to customers. Clear messaging will also appear outside the buses to alert customers quickly and easily on the direction the bus is going.


In addition, the bus fleet will be managed from a control room by Emirates’ airport services team together with its ground handling partner, dnata. Replacing manual processes, airside passenger bus deployment and driver assignments are now handled via an advanced resource planning software. This improves deployment efficacy and ultimately enhances the customer experience with reduced waiting times, and more efficient routings at one of the world’s busiest airports.

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Dubai, UAE – 2 December 2018: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Al Fursan took to the skies inunison today to celebrate the UAE’s 47th National Day, as well as commemorate the legacy and values of HH Sheikh Zayed. The late founding father of the UAE dedicated his life and leadership to unify and shape a better collective future for the nation, and today’s formation flight is a soaring display of unity as all four carriers showcase the UAE’s aviation success story to the nation and world.

See the stunning footage .

The spectacular flypast - a world-first and a UAE civil aviation milestone - involved over 11 aircraft: a flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Zayed 1), an Air Arabia Airbus A320 (Zayed 2), an Etihad Airways Airbus A380 (Zayed 3) and an Emirates Airline Airbus A380 (Zayed 4), as well as seven Al Fursan aerobatic display jets from the UAE Air Force. All of the commercial aircraft within the formation were emblazoned with ‘Year of Zayed’ decals. This is also the first time this unique combination of aircraft types fly in formation.

The aircraft were proudly commanded by Captain Adrian Smith from flydubai, Captain Nadhem Al Hamad from Air Arabia, Captain Richard Dyson from Etihad Airways and Captain Abbas Shaban from Emirates Airline. The Al Fursan team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Al Obaidli.

Formation and flight path

The carefully choreographed ‘stair step’ aerial formation began this afternoon at 1300hrs, when the aircraft took-off from Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport. Once all of the aircraft established their holding positions with altitudes ranging from 2,000 feet to 5,000 feet with a 1,000 foot vertical separation, the formation commenced. Over the skies of Ras Al Khaimah, each aircraft adjusted its speed and turned to achieve a trail formation. The aircraft then descended into their positions and vertical separation was reduced to 300 feet.

Flying first in the ‘Year of Zayed’ formation was flydubai, cruising at an altitude of 1,000 feet and an airspeed of 210 knots, closely followed by Air Arabia, in line astern and stepped up at an altitude of 1,300 feet. Next came the Etihad Airbus A380 double-decker, trailing the first two aircraft and flying at 1,600 feet, stepped up by the Emirates Airbus A380 flying at the highest altitude at 1,900 feet to make room for the seven Al Fursan jets set in an arrow formation ready to release their signature smoke trails in the colours of the UAE flag.

Together, the stunning UAE carrier formation flew with impressive precision across the coastline of the UAE, starting at Ras Al Khaimah, continuing on to Um Al Quwain and Ajman, and then passing landmarks including the Sharjah Corniche, Dubai’s Palm and World Islands with the Burj Khalifa skyline in the background, and finally crossing the Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, where all aircraft then split and continued on to their respective airports for landing.

Executive remarks

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of flydubai said: “His Highness Sheikh Zayed was a true pioneer and one of the most inspirational leaders of our time. It is fitting that on UAE National Day, such a spectacular aerial display be done to honour his legacy. This ground-breaking initiative showcases how unity and a shared vision can achieve outstanding results. I am immensely proud of all of the teams across every airline, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and all the organisations who came together to plan and execute today’s unprecedented flight formation which will go down as an extraordinary moment for UAE civil aviation.”

His Excellency Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Today our nation celebrates the 47th National Day, a day we celebrate the achievement of the vision of our founding father His Highness Sheikh Zayed to unite the seven Emirates. In the Year of Zayed, we are very proud to witness this historic flight formation which resembles the vision set forth by our founding father. Our Emirati carriers flying across the seven Emirates in this formation represents the spirit of our union, and demonstrates the economic progress our nation and aviation sector achieved in less than half a century through connecting over a 100 million travellers annually to 500 destinations globally.”

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said: “It gives us a great honour to be part of this remarkable formation display dedicated to the Year of Zayed and while celebrating the UAE’s National Day. This unique flight formation display reflects the unity, leadership and the forward vision of the UAE. We thank all the airlines, Al Fursan and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority for working together to achieve such a successful and first of its kind flight display that will now be added to the UAE’s pioneering journey in aviation.”

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA said: “In this historical formation flight, The GCAA ensured that communication and coordination was carried out between all pertinent authorities and stake holders to ensure that flight details were established and the route flown would avoid all departure and arrival lanes, thereby guaranteeing uninterrupted routine airport operations. This fly past was continuously controlled by Air Traffic Control, tracked by surveillance radar and communicated by two-way radio communication for any advisory and instruction. In addition, the GCAA has further imposed certain requirements for assessment and approval of the entire fly past exercise which includes routing, separation, weather minima, aircraft limitation and trials so that no stone is left unturned.”

Precision planning and co-ordination

While the flawlessly executed aerial formation flight may appear to be a straightforward assignment, the mission was under planning for more than five months due to the complexity of the formation and the number of aircraft involved. With a primary focus on flight safety, the meticulous technical planning and co-ordination involved all four airlines and multiple regulatory stakeholders.

The success of the formation flight was made possible by the collaboration between the pilots and flight operation managers from each airline, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), UAE Ministry of Defence, air traffic controllers, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation and Civil Aviation Authorities from other UAE emirates, amongst others.

All stakeholders worked together to identify suitable locations for the flight formation patterns, taking into account air traffic, areas overflown, route planning, visibility, and potential wind and weather conditions. The entire formation route was protected from any passing traffic within a Temporary Restricted Area controlled by the GCAA. Meetings were held to establish each airline’s position within the formation and precise visual reference points were drawn up so each aircraft could safely join and hold their plotted position. In addition, all pilots went through rigorous flight simulation exercises.

A rehearsal flight was done on 8 November 2018 to ensure that the formation positions worked appropriately with the Al Fursan air display team. The test-run ‘Year of Zayed’ formation also included two helicopters and an Aero L-39 Albatross chase plane from the Latvian based Baltic Bees aerobatic display team to film every detail and aspect of the formation.

The “Year of Zayed” is a tribute to HH Sheikh Zayed’s remarkable legacy which has left a lasting imprint on the UAE. The inspirational leader created a vision of prosperity, determination and tolerance – attributes that remain strongly embedded in UAE culture and across all UAE aviation organisations.

https://www.emirates.com/media-centr...b-7af709b88203

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