“We are always expansionist, and we want more,” stated Sir Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airline, during the unveiling of the airline’s first Airbus A350-900 on Wednesday. This addition to the fleet marks a significant step in the airline’s ambitious growth plans.
Clark highlighted that Emirates is accelerating its expansion strategy, particularly with the development of the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Once completed, DWC is expected to become the world’s largest and busiest passenger terminal, capable of handling up to 260 million travelers annually.
A Long-Term Vision
Speaking to reporters, Clark emphasized the long-term nature of Emirates’ plans:
“We’ve got a lot of work to do over the next ten to fifty years. The new airport opens up many opportunities, and we are growing into that space,” he said.
However, Clark acknowledged significant challenges in acquiring new aircraft to support this growth:
“The biggest challenge is the availability of aircraft. We just want more planes, but we simply can’t get them,” he explained, citing delays in aircraft deliveries as a major setback.
Delays and Frustration
Clark expressed frustration over how supply chain issues and the pandemic have impacted Emirates’ expansion:
“We’ve had our wings clipped by Covid and supply chain delays. We need airplanes urgently to move forward,” he said.
Clark also voiced his impatience with delays surrounding Boeing’s 777-9X aircraft.
“Had the Boeing 777-9X been delivered, we would already have 85 new planes. It’s frustrating because we can’t expand our network much further without them,” he noted.
The remaining 64 A350s yet to be delivered are critical for Emirates’ future growth. Despite the challenges, Clark remains optimistic about Boeing’s ability to resolve these issues, especially after the company’s recent $21 billion capital injection.
Expansion Plans and Financial Strength
Clark dismissed the idea of reviewing Boeing orders, maintaining confidence in their delivery capacity. While he didn’t comment on potential IPO plans for Emirates, he emphasized that the airline is financially strong and well-prepared to fund its future growth.
With its ambitious goals, Emirates Airline continues to pursue its vision of becoming an even bigger player in the global aviation industry, leveraging Dubai’s infrastructure and its robust financial position.
