Emirates

Emirates is a Dubai-based international airline founded in March 1985 with the backing of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The airline was established to provide an independent air transportation service for Dubai, breaking the emirate's reliance on Gulf Air, which at that time was reducing services to the region.

Emirates began operations on October 25, 1985, with its inaugural flight from Dubai to Karachi, Pakistan, using leased aircraft from Pakistan International Airlines, which played a critical role in supporting the new airline by providing planes and technical expertise. The initial fleet included an Airbus A300B4-200 and a Boeing 737-300, alongside two Boeing 727-200s from Dubai's Royal Air Wing.

Emirates rapidly expanded through the late 1980s and 1990s, adding new destinations across Asia, Europe, and beyond, including Colombo, Dhaka, Amman, Cairo, London, Frankfurt, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

By the early 1990s, Emirates had grown to serve over a dozen international destinations with a steadily expanding fleet, including the acquisition of its first owned aircraft, an Airbus A310-304. The airline’s growth accelerated further following the Gulf War as many competing regional airlines reduced their operations, allowing Emirates to capitalize on increased demand.

Over the decades, Emirates has become one of the world’s largest and most renowned airlines, celebrated for its premium service, luxurious cabins, and innovation. It operates a modern fleet featuring aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, serving over 150 destinations across six continents.

Emirates continues to be a key driver in Dubai’s emergence as a major global aviation hub. The airline is part of The Emirates Group, with strong leadership from Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and other key executives.

Emirates’ success story is marked by strategic growth, customer-centric service, and a commitment to excellence that helped transform it from a small regional carrier into a global aviation powerhouse.