Owner of the largest fleet of Airbus A380 jets in the world, with 115 aircraft, Emirates Airline announced on Sunday that it will suspend most of its passenger flights from March 25. The company said it tried to adapt its network to passenger restrictions and demand, however, in view of the quarantine initiated by many nations contain the spread of the coronavirus, it decided to maintain only vital connections in the transportation of cargo and the repatriation of people. Earlier, Emirates even said it would suspend all flights, but updated its statement later.
“As a global network airline, we find ourselves in a situation where we cannot viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders, and travel confidence returns. By Wednesday 25 March, although we will still operate cargo flights which remain busy, Emirates will have temporarily suspended most of its passenger operations. We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President and CEO of the Emirates Group.
Emirates will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to destinations such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, the US and Canada. The airline, however, acknowledged that the situation could change and recommends that its customers check the status of flights on its website.
International air network
With its aggressive strategy focused on services and global connectivity, thanks to its hub in Dubai, Emirates Airline has seen its numbers grow in recent years and hassled several traditional airlines.
Although the United Arab Emirates have attracted global interest, it is in its connections from Dubai that the airline has managed to stand out in several markets. For this, Emirates has an immense fleet of widebodies, led by the A380, the largest commercial jet in the world. There are 115 aircraft and eight others to be received, in addition to 142 Boeing 777s.
Since the beginning of the crisis caused by the new coronavirus (Covid-19), Emirates has reduced flights and landed 40 A380s and 15 Boeing 777s, but has not resisted the expansion of the pandemic.
Also according to the airline, cost containment measures will be put in place, including a reduction in the basic salary of more experienced employees, paid or unpaid vacations and renegotiation with suppliers. The company’s president, Sir Tim Clark, will give up his salary for three months.
