Emirates Airline is ready for heavy criticism again at the annual International Air Transport Association Meeting for the airline industry in June. In the past there has been very critical comments aimed at the airline during panel discussions. Two years ago Lufthansa had complaints and last year Air France-KLM and Singapore questioned whether Emirates record Dh5.02 billion profits for 2007-2008 were achieved through state support. Fuel prices reached record highs during this time.
Singapore Airlines chief executive last year described Emirates President as very bullish and said “the rest of us wonder whether he is getting special prices on jet fuel.” Emirates Airlines has many advantages over its European competitors including an exceptional location for its operations as well as no tax obligations. However, cheap fuel does not appear to be one of their advantages. Mr. Parker, a senior vice president at Emirates noted the criticisms remind him of the phrase “If you repeat something often enough, people start to believe it.”
Courtesy: The National – 21 Apr 09
