Emirates Airlines CEO Tim Clark stated yesterday that they plan to spend around five billion dollars to upgrade 220 aircraft. This is necessary to support and expand the network in the context of delays in the supply of new aircraft. "We have no choice... this is the only way to maintain and expand our network," he said at a press conference in Berlin.
Clark emphasized that Emirates is always striving to be a leader in the development of its business and that engineering teams are working at full capacity to update the aircraft as soon as possible. He noted that they already have most of the necessary spare parts for this process.
He also expressed concern about Boeing's public perception after the incident involving the door separation of one of the Boeing aircraft belonging to Alaska Airlines last year. Clark said he has not yet met with Boeing's new CEO, Calhoun, and is not confident about the timelines for delivering the aircraft.
Emirates management also stated that they are not optimistic about the scheduled deliveries of Boeing 777X aircraft planned for October 2025 and are also unsure about the timelines for meeting increased production requirements.
Additionally, at the international tourism and travel exhibition in Berlin, Emirates announced an extension of the strategic partnership with the German company TUI Cruises. The collaboration aims to expand TUI Cruises' activities in Dubai, adding a second ship for the 2025-2026 cruise season. They also plan to strengthen collaboration in marketing, planning, and operational strategies to ensure a smooth transition for Emirates customers from air travel to maritime.
The Deputy Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, Adnan Kazim, highlighted the company's role in strengthening Dubai's position as a leading global cruise tourism center. He also noted that the agreement with TUI Cruises will allow them to continue working on increasing passenger access to ocean voyages through the Emirates network.
Signing the agreement with the Maltese tourism authority at the exhibition, Emirates aims to attract tourists from various countries through collaborative marketing efforts. Expanding cooperation will enable both sides to attract more travelers and promote Malta's unique advantages and exclusive tourist opportunities.
