Emirates is world's 'largest' airline

As the initial euphoria of The Emirates Group and airlines’ stellar results dissipates into analysis, forecast and growth buoyancy for Dubai, it is note-worthy that the airline and its management now see the title of ‘world’s largest airline’ within their grasp.

Amid the myriad notes that formed the annual report released yesterday here in the emirate lay this statement by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group: "With 182,757 million available seat kilometres, we are now the world's largest airline by scheduled international passenger kilometres flown."

Needless to say the claim comes on the back of the Emirates Group marking its 23rd consecutive year of profit with a record performance of Dh5.9bn ($1.6bn) net profit, despite a challenging business climate.

Emirates airline’s revenues grew by an outstanding 25 per cent from last year to reach Dh54.4bn ($14.8bn). Airline profits of Dh5.4bn ($1.5bn) marked an increase of 51.9 per cent over 2009-10’s profits of Dh3.5bn ($964m).