About Emirates

Founded in 1985, Emirates is a global connector of people, places and economies. Based in Dubai, Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, with an extensive network that has grown to offer its customers a choice of 155 destinations in 83 countries across six continents. It operates one of the world’s youngest modern wide-body fleets, and is the first and only airline in the world to operate a fleet of all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft for its passenger flights.

They inspire travellers around the world with their growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine and world-class service.

Its luxurious amenities, regionally inspired gourmet cuisine, award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice – and unmatched hospitality provided by its iconic multilingual Cabin Crew have made Emirates one of the world’s most recognised airline brands.  

Emirates Airline History

The story of a firm whose success story is intertwined with the incredible development of Dubai could be nothing but fascinating. Against a backdrop of regional unrest and volatile global economies, progress has been maintained at a rapid pace in every year of Emirates’ existence. A combination of business acumen, ambition and savvy investment set in motion a series of events which have propelled Emirates to amongst the most respected and recognised brands in the world.

On 25 October 1985, Emirates flew its first routes out of Dubai with just two aircraft - a leased Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4.

Then, as now, their goal was quality, not quantity. And in the years since taking those first small steps onto the regional travel scene, they've evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism leader known the world over for our commitment to quality.

With a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, Emirates currently flies to 155 destinations in 83 countries around the world. Over 1,500 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on six continents, and our network is expanding constantly.