Khalid Al Zarouni: “Emirates continues to invest in cooperation with Greece”

“With the lifting of travel restrictions, we have noticed that the demand for our services between Greece and the USA has increased. The number of bookings is increased and we hope that this upward trend will continue, as long as the borders remain open internationally.” This was stated to state news agency AMNA, by Khalid Al Zarouni, Director of Emirates for Greece and Albania, expressing his optimism for the near future, as the company seems to give a vote of confidence to our country, in relation to the strong prospects that are created in view of the summer season.

In particular, in relation to the confidence shown by the company in Greece, Mr. Al Zarouni states characteristically: “Since we restored the routes connecting Athens with Dubai on July 15, 2020, after the suspension of flights in 2019 due to of the pandemic, we continued to be committed to our efforts to strengthen our market presence. ”

As he emphasizes: “Greece is an integral part of the Emirates global network and our goal is to continue to invest in our cooperation.” He continues: “Demand rose in the summer and continued to grow steadily from the winter onwards. We are gradually and safely returning to our network and developing our strategy to optimize our presence in important markets to support the growing demand for travel, both business and leisure, as well as travelers visiting friends or their family. Today, Emirates flies to more than 90% of the destinations of its network that served before the pandemic, ensuring the connection with a series of important markets to and from Greece “.

According to Mr. Al Zarouni: “Challenges are not something that the aviation industry is facing for the first time. However, we have always prevailed and – as now – the demand for air transport is always stronger. ”

Plans for new destinations

According to the Director of the company: “We remain committed to Greece and our goal is to contribute positively from our side to society, the local economy and the environment. Our goal is to maintain our capacity in the local market and to offer travelers from Greece the opportunity to travel to even more destinations that belong to our network, through Dubai.”

Regarding the company’s strategy for zero emissions, Mr. Zarouni clarifies that: “At Emirates we recognize our responsibility to conserve the planet’s resources, so we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact across the spectrum. of our activity, even of the supply chain. Thus, we focus our environmental efforts on reducing emissions, responsible consumption and the protection of wildlife and habitats.”

As he explains: “The new generation of Airbus A350 XWB, Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft that we have already ordered, as well as the existing Boeing 777 fleet, with an average age of seven years which is much lower than the industry average, ensure higher fuel efficiency than older aircraft “.

In addition, as it became known: “Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Aviation to develop a program under which an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, powered by GE90, will be piloted using 100% sustainable aviation (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – SAF) by the end of the year “.

Today, always according to Mr. Al Zarouni: “The test flight with 100% SAF is of particular importance for both Emirates and GE Aviation, as it will show how commercial aircraft, which use jet fuel from alternative sources, can reduce the CO2 they emit compared to oil-based fuels, without creating problems in their operation “.

Emirates is strengthening its fleet

Emirates makes full use of its B777 fleet, as well as 58 A380. It is currently flying to 27 cities and gradually restoring the A380 fleet.

“As the largest international airline, we are constantly looking for opportunities to further improve our products and services,” said the company’s director.

As he states: “Recently, we received the 123rd superjumbo jet Airbus A380, marking another milestone in the airline’s steady 21-year commitment to the program. This A380 has all the products and services provided by Emirates, such as the First Class Private Suites, Shower Spa, the extremely popular Onboard Bar and the latest in-flight entertainment systems. The experience the A380 offers is popular with travelers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and Emirates will continue to develop it as demand gradually returns. “Last year, we also introduced a new travel option, the Premium Economy Cabin, which was well received by our passengers.”

In fact, “during the Dubai Airshow 2021, we announced a major modernization program featuring 120 aircraft that will now feature the refurbished Premium Economy Cabin by the end of this year. Emirates continues to maintain a young fleet of 7.3-year-old (88-month-old) aircraft, a number significantly lower than the industry average of 146 Boeing aircraft and 113 double-decker A380 aircraft (259 aircraft in total).

In addition, Emirates SkyCargo, a leader in the global aviation industry, has announced the introduction of two new Boeing 777Fs into its fleet in 2022 and the conversion of four Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into trucks between 2023 and 2024.

Where Emirates is heading

According to Mr. Al Zarouni: “Through technology and robotics, we expect the creation of composite materials, 4D printing and self-healing materials that will make the aircraft of the future faster, lighter and stronger.

The use of biometrics, data analysis and smart technologies will transform the passenger experience, while, at the airport of the future, we expect security and customs control systems without delays, innovation in the transport and storage of luggage, electric transport and intelligent management waste systems.

“Inside the aircraft, we imagine interactive windows, different types of cabins and more seating options.”

Until then, the Director points out: “We remain committed to providing our passengers with a more relaxed travel experience and to remain industry leaders in protecting the health of our customers, so that they feel safe and confident when they decide to fly.”