Beginning with the procedures of a "digital passport" as a trial next April

Emirates Airlines expects an increase in travel demand from June 2021

• Emirates Airlines operates flights to 100 destinations, compared to 140 destinations before the pandemic.

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• Adel Al-Reda: "The occupancy of flights during the months of December and January ranged between 75 and 80%."

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"Emirates Airlines" expected an increase in travel demand from the end of May and the beginning of June 2021, with the increasing spread of vaccination with the Corona virus among the world's population, and the health authorities forming a more accurate picture of the mutated strain of the virus, noting that some countries announced their efforts To ease travel restrictions for people who have already received the vaccine.

The company stated in a remote interview with local media that these factors will increase confidence in the travel sector during the coming period, in addition to the efforts made by some air carriers regarding the application of the "digital passport", which allows verification of the compatibility of test or vaccine standards with the requirements of the destination. .

Demand for travel

In detail, the chief operating officer of the «Emirates Airlines», Adel Al-Reda, expected an increase in demand for travel from the end of May and the beginning of June 2021.

The satisfaction attributed this to the high prevalence of the rate of vaccination for the anti-Corona vaccine among the population in various countries of the world, which will also have a more accurate picture about the mutated strain of the virus, indicating that some countries that have taken quick measures regarding the mutated strain, will evaluate The situation is better during the coming period, and it may follow different travel protocols, compared to those that you currently apply.

He added that these factors will increase confidence in the travel sector during the coming period, in addition to the efforts made by companies and some countries regarding the application of the "digital passport", which allows verification of the compatibility of test or vaccine standards with the requirements of the destination, and the sharing of test or vaccine certificates approved with the authorities Government and airlines, to provide them with a more accessible travel experience.

Digital passport

Al-Ridha revealed that Emirates Airlines will start digital passport procedures on a trial basis next April, indicating that more companies and countries may join this initiative launched by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which will increase travel flexibility, expecting an increase in rates. Travel from tourists and visitors to the UAE market, with high vaccination rates.

He explained that some countries have already announced their efforts to ease travel restrictions on people who have received the vaccine in terms of travel requirements, indicating that this step is very positive, and will contribute to the gradual recovery of the air transport sector.

Remarkable growth

Al-Reda said that Emirates Airlines recorded a remarkable growth in passenger traffic during December 2020 and January 2021, compared to the first months of the pandemic, indicating that the occupancy rates on flights during these two months ranged between 75 and 80%.

He explained that the mutated strain of the virus subsequently contributed to the decline in demand for travel in various markets of the world with the application of new travel restrictions, and several countries resorting to imposing health isolation measures and additional requirements for examinations, pointing out that travel demand declined during last February, while it is expected to decline as well. Next March.

He revealed that about 25% of the destinations to which Emirates Airlines operates flights, currently apply strict travel procedures under the current circumstances.

Destinations and fleet

Al-Reda said that Emirates Airlines operates its flights to 100 destinations compared to 140 destinations before the pandemic, and has regained a large part of its network of destinations, but the rate of flights is still 30%, compared to before the pandemic in light of international travel restrictions and declining levels of demand.

He pointed out that the carrier currently operates all aircraft in its Boeing 777 fleet for passenger and passenger transport operations as well, in addition to 15 A380 aircraft, stressing that it is difficult to predict when all Airbus 380s will enter service in the current period. Due to travel restrictions, the number of these aircraft is expected to gradually increase in the coming months.

New aircraft

Regarding the strategy of the aircraft carrier that will receive it during the coming period, which is still under request, he said that the company is in constant discussion with the two companies, "Airbus" and "Boeing" regarding the timelines for receiving the new aircraft, pointing out that the 777X was to be received in Mid-year 2020, then postponed to April 2021, and currently to the last quarter of 2023.

He added that the manufacturer was late in the plane licensing process in the early stages, pointing out that Emirates Airlines has not yet taken any decision regarding replacing part of the order for the Boeing 777X with its smaller Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

He explained that the delivery schedule for the currently receiving orders for the Dreamliner is in the middle of 2023, similar to the order of the A350, stressing that all appointments are under discussion with the two manufacturers.

He continued: “Airlines in various world markets faced a significant decline in the volume of revenues in light of the decrease in travel demand due to the circumstances created by the pandemic, and this situation is expected to continue during the current year 2021,” indicating that various options are available to “Emirates Airlines.” »In the context of its need for financing in the future.

Shipping revenue

The chief operating officer of Emirates Airlines, Adel Al-Reda, said that freight revenues exceeded the company's expectations in the recent period due to increased demand, while passenger travel revenues are constantly fluctuating, indicating that Emirates Air Cargo has signed contracts and agreements with several countries regarding Transferring the Corona vaccine from factories to final destinations.

Operating capacity

The chief operating officer of the «Emirates Airlines», Adel Al-Reda, stressed that the carrier is committed to a specific percentage of the operating capacity on flights to some destinations, in accordance with the requirements of those countries, indicating that it is not possible to anticipate and know the size of future reservations on flights accurately, given that A large proportion of bookings currently come shortly before the date of travel.

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