Emirates Airline reported (10-Nov-2022) it continued to focus on restoring its passenger network and connections through Dubai in H1FY2023, ended 30-Sep-2022. The carrier resumed services and added frequencies to meet customer demand. Details include:
- Revenue, including other operating income, increased 131% year-on-year to AED50.1 billion (USD13.6 billion), driven by strong passenger demand for international travel;
- Operating costs increased 73%, mainly due to a substantial increase in fuel costs, which more than tripled year-on-year. Fuel uplift increased 65%, in line with increased flight operations, and average oil prices doubled. Fuel accounted for 38% of operating costs, compared to 20% in H1FY2022;
- Total capacity in ATKs increased 40% due to an expanded flight programme as more countries eased travel restrictions;
- Passenger numbers increased 228% to 20 million and cargo volumes decreased 14% to 936,000 tonnes as the airline shifted capacity from 'mini-freighters' back to passenger operations;
- Commenced Tel Aviv service in Jun-2022;
- Launched codeshare and interline agreements with Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, airBaltic, Airlink (South Africa), Bamboo Airways, Batik Air, Finnair, Royal Air Maroc, Sky Express, Sun Country Airlines and United Airlines;
- Took delivery of two new Boeing 777F aircraft and returned one older freighter;
- Introduced new inflight menus in all cabin classes and launched a new hospitality programme;
- Launched its full premium economy service to London, Paris and Sydney in Aug-2022. Emirates plans to introduce premium economy on five more routes before the end of FY2023;
- Emirates operated passenger and cargo service to 140 airports as of 30-Sep-2022, using its entire 777 fleet and 73 A380 aircraft;
- Emirates commenced a cabin retrofit programme for 120 aircraft in Nov-2022 and expects to receive new passenger aircraft from 2024. [more - original PR]