Emirates was established in early 1985, and in the last 22 years the airline has evolved into an award-winning, globally influential travel and tourism conglomerate.

Now comprising an award-winning fleet of more than 100 aircraft, an international cargo division, a fully-fledged destination management and leisure division, an international ground-handler and an airline IT developer, Emirates is characterised by two key features, continuous explosive growth and a constant focus on top quality service.

The airline's extensive expansion plans include additions to the fleet, non-stop flights, new double daily services and destinations, an increase in the number of flights. In 2008, Emirates will receive the first of its 58 A380s on order.

Currently responsible for more than 50 per cent of all flight movements in and out of Dubai International Airport, Emirates' aim is to increase this tally to 70 per cent by 2010, without compromising quality. The airline currently flies to over 95 destinations in 62 countries around the world and the network is expanding constantly. More than 550 flights fly out of Dubai per week covering six continents.

In the financial year 2006/07, Emirates carried 17.5 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo. Always at the forefront of aviation technology, Emirates flies the youngest and one of the most modern fleets in the world, with an average aircraft age of 63 months.

Emirates' aim is to develop Dubai into a comprehensive aviation hub that will ultimately serve as an important global longhaul hub.