Emirates

Emirates is a major international airline headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the largest carrier in the Middle East by fleet size and passenger numbers. It operates a global network of passenger and cargo services spanning the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas, using a widebody-only fleet built around the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, with the Airbus A350 on order to modernise its fleet. The airline is wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, an investment arm of the Dubai government, and operates as the flagship carrier of the Emirates Group, alongside sister company dnata, a ground-handling and travel-services provider. Emirates is known for its long-haul, hub-and-spoke model centred on Dubai International Airport, connecting passengers between continents through a single stopover. In Africa, it serves multiple destinations including Johannesburg and Cape Town, supporting tourism and air cargo links between the continent and the Middle East, Asia and beyond. The airline carries significant volumes of air freight through its Emirates SkyCargo division, complementing its passenger operations. It has built a reputation for premium service, extensive inflight entertainment and sponsorship of major international sporting events. Emirates generates multibillion-dollar annual revenues and employs tens of thousands of staff worldwide. It was established in 1985 with the backing of the Dubai government, launching operations with leased aircraft, and has since grown into one of the world's most recognised airline brands. Its continued route expansion into African markets reflects Dubai's positioning as a global aviation and logistics hub.