Emirates
Emirates at a glance
Emirates is the world's largest international airline, an all-widebody operation of some 260 aircraft that connects 140+ destinations across six continents over its Dubai hub. Its brand rests on the Airbus A380, of which it flies 116, more than every other airline combined, paired with the world's biggest Boeing 777 fleet.
Under president Sir Tim Clark, in post since 2003, Emirates has stayed outside the alliances, building its own web of partnerships from flydubai next door to Qantas and United. The next act is generational: 200+ Boeing 777-9s on order, A350s arriving since 2024, record profits funding cabin retrofits, and an eventual move to the Dubai World Central mega-hub.
Fleet
Emirates flies the world's only all-widebody major fleet, built on the A380, of which it operates more than the rest of the world combined, and the Boeing 777.
| Aircraft | Role | Fleet Size |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus A380-800 | Flagship, world's largest A380 operator | 116 |
| Boeing 777-300ER | Long-haul workhorse | ~130 |
| Airbus A350-900 | New generation, deliveries since 2024 | ~15 |
| Boeing 777-9 | Largest 777X customer, 200+ ordered | 200+ ordered |
Hub & route network
Everything flows through Dubai International, the world's busiest airport for international passengers, where Emirates' banked schedule connects every inhabited continent within one stop. The network spans 140+ destinations, with Dubai World Central set to take over as a $35 billion mega-hub in the 2030s.Alliance & partnerships
Emirates never joined an alliance, instead assembling bilateral partnerships: a deep tie-up with flydubai in Dubai, the long-running Qantas partnership for Australia, United in the US and dozens of codeshares beyond.Group structure
Emirates is part of The Emirates Group, owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, alongside ground handler dnata; Sir Tim Clark has been president since 2003 with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as chairman.Full specifications
Latest Emirates coverage from AeroTime
Frequently asked questions
The A380's capacity suits Emirates' model of funneling huge volumes through Dubai; with 116, it operates more superjumbos than all other airlines combined and plans to fly them into the 2040s.
No. Emirates relies on bilateral partnerships instead, most deeply with sister carrier flydubai, plus Qantas, United and dozens of codeshare partners.
The Investment Corporation of Dubai, the emirate's sovereign wealth fund, through The Emirates Group, which also owns air services giant dnata.