On 25 October 1985, two aircraft leased from Pakistan International Airlines took to the skies. A Boeing 737 headedfor Karachi, while an Airbus 300 flew to Mumbai. The start-up capital was $10 million. Few could have imagined then that, four decades later, this airline would become a symbol of an entire country’s ambitions.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, called Emirates “a national pride that has carried 860 million people around the world.” The figure is staggering in scale — it exceeds the population of any continent except Asia. Today, the company operates a fleet of 260 aircraft, connects 152 cities directly, and has an order book for more than 300 aircraft.
From humble beginnings to record heights in four decades
The story began modestly. Before Emirates, Dubai Airport was served by Bahrain-based Gulf Air. The emirate’sgovernment provided initial funding and set a goal: to become the best in the business. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who headed the company, recalls that the mission was clear from day one — to create value for Dubai and the communities they serve. The results speak for themselves and confirm that a lot has changed in 40 years:
- The workforce has grown to 100,000 employees from different countries
- The average age of the fleet is 10.7 years
- The company connects more than 160 destinations in 85 countries
- The order book exceeds 300 aircraft
Pakistan plays a special role in this story. Karachi was Emirates’ first international destination. Over 40 years, 87,000 flights have been operated between the cities, carrying 19 million passengers. Across the country, the figures are even more impressive: 36 million people on 146,000 flights to five cities.
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Emotional connection stronger than commercial indicators
Mohammed Al Hashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan, talks about the company’s connection with the country without the usual corporate pomp. “We touch the heart of every person. Weddings, honeymoons, new jobs — people want to fly, and we make those dreams come true,” he explains. The airline supports Pakistanis in the region:
- 1.7 million compatriots live and work in the UAE
- More than 73,000 tonnes of cargo are transported annually
- Trade relations between countries are developing
Emirates’ success has changed Dubai itself. Just as professional property management turns buildings into income-generating assets, the airline has transformed the emirate into a global centre of attraction. UAE property news today regularly mentions Emirates among the factors driving the region’s growth — tourists and investors fly in on this airline.
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Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, summed it up: “I could say that it is the best airline in the world. But in reality, it is a bridge between people, cultures, and dreams.” On its anniversary, Emirates unveiled a modernised Boeing 777 with premium economy class. After 40 years, the company is still looking forward, not back.
