Travel Daily Middle East talks to Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’
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Emirates Airlines is continually investing in its products thereby offerings its passengers more convenience, quality and better connections…
Could you highlight any growth areas in your region?
We are continually evaluating different markets within my region. We have noticed a huge expansion around Central Asia especially Kazakhstan. This is certainly on the emerging markets which has tremendous potential and purchasing power. Unfortunately, Emirates has no direct link between Dubai and Kazakhstan. Considering the potential of the market, we are evaluating the region. We are also focusing on Afghanistan which shows a lot of promise.
You mentioned previously about the phasing out of the A330 and A340, what is the current status?
The phasing out of the A330 and A340 is a three-year process which is already underway. In the last couple of weeks, we did phase out a couple of A330s and this will continue for the next two and half to three years. Alternatively, we are inducting more A380s and Boeing 777s. As per current statistics, Emirates is the largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft and now the A380s too. In the future, Emirates is also working on a two-class configuration for its Airbus A380s. As per a statement made by Tim Clark, the aircraft could begin flying in 2016, if the plans go ahead. However, it is still to be determined
How do you see the deployment of aircraft on key routes?
Emirates has always evaluated route demand and deployed the aircraft accordingly. With the arrival of the A380s, there are several routes we would like to deploy the aircraft. However, many such airports do not have the capacity or facilities for the aircraft. The positive news is that many airports within my region are upgrading their offerings in order to cater to bigger aircraft. This gives us more of an opportunity to utilize the aircraft on high-demand routes. Just last week, we went to Mauritius. The country is currently expanding the runway making it capable of handling the A380 while at the same time work is being undertaken to refurbish the terminal too. This will be opened by mid-June or July.
Do you see any key initiatives being undertaken by the government to ease visas processes thereby enhance tourism to the region?
This is one area which is continually undergoing changes. If we evaluate the visa issues a couple of years ago, there have been many positive changes implemented. Our economy depends on tourism and e-commerce, so the government is continually looking at easing things, thereby enhancing tourism to the country. Many aspects such as a single visa for all GCC countries is currently under the scanner. Talks are also currently on to increase the number of countries for visa on arrival from the current 37 countries. These are all encouraging developments in the right direction.
Do we see any new initiatives for the Dubai Summer Surprises?
We always present new and innovative ideas in order to attract passengers to Dubai. For the Dubai Summer Surprises, we will be having something but nothing is decided yet. From the tourism point of view, all concerned verticals such as shopping centers, hotels and even airlines are in talks to roll out a new concept this year.
With a well-performing region, what are your growth expectations?
I would positively say we are looking at double digit growth with an optimistic target of 15-20% in passenger numbers for 2013-14. We will receive all wide-bodied aircraft and based on this, our expectations are high.
In your opinion, how viable is it for an airline to have a first class cabin?
Emirates as an airline continually invest a great amount into its premium cabins i.e First and Business Class. We are very positive of both cabin and their demand. It was seen during the time of recession that many airline converted their First Class into a Premium Economy cabin. However, we are very focused on what we want. All our premium cabins give us an average growth of at least 10%. In light of its performance, we are not going to remove the first class cabins.
In some markets within my region, the premium class is very important and gives us an edge. The growth percentage for First class is around 11% for my region. We are very optimistic that we will have growth in this segment in the years to come. As an airline for premium cabin, investments are not just restricted to the aircraft but into several additional features such as the lounge, in-flight entertainment, chauffeur driven cars et al. So it is the entire package that is appealing to customers and not just the seats.
Could you elaborate on any refurbishments being undertaken?
The current refurbishment plans are for the Boeing 777. We are upgrading the first class cabins into suites. The aircraft is also being fitted with the latest Wifi offering.