Emirates, world’s number one airlines that have been consistent in maintaining their position on the top for past many years. It is known for providing the world’s best customer service. The company was founded in 1985, with just two aircraft that carried the passengers from and to Dubai, connected with other operators. Emirates is a subsidiary of the government of Dubai and had received $10 million as the startup capital from it. This money was used to lease their first two aircraft from Pakistan International Airlines, along with some technical and administrative support.
The Founder
The founder of Emirates, Maurice Flanagan, was born on 17th November 1928, in Leigh, Lancashire, England. He started his high school at the Leigh Boys Grammar School and then, was transferred to Lymm Grammar School as the World War II broke out.
After completing his high school, Flanagan went to Liverpool University to do his Bachelor’s in History and French and, performed his National Service in the Royal Air Force as a navigator commissioned officer. In November 1951, he received the rank of pilot officer, and in the March of 1954 Flanagan was promoted to the post of flying officer and served as the same, for two years.
Flanagan wanted to become a professional football player. Blackburn Rovers showed an interest in nurturing Flanagan’s talent and take him towards his dream. But, unfortunately, during one evening outing, Flanagan suffered a knee injury that became the reason for his degrading football career.
As his athletic career came to an end, Flanagan started working as a management trainee, with the BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) and worked in the parts of Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, UK, and Iran. Flanagan worked with BOAC for 25 years, before the launching of Emirates, in 1985. He also had a flair for writing and even won a TV playwriting competition in 1969, organized by a newspaper named Observer. Kenneth Tynan, an English theatre critic and writer, invited him to write for the National Theatre, but, Flanagan chose to go for an airline career as it seemed more secure.
The Dubai Government looked up to Flanagan’s years of experience in the airline industry and were impressed by his talent. So, they appointed him to launch the Emirates. The company was an immediate success, as it recovered all of its initial investment money just in the following year.
The Success Flight of Emirates
Emirates carried more than 260,000 passengers in the year of the launch itself and, promised to grow even further at a staggering rate. Just in the next year, the company launched its services to Southeast Asia and Egypt. And the next year, their expansion reached 11 destinations, with regular flight services. During the first decade, the company reported an average of 30% growth each year and, declared profits for seven years.
Currently, the company has the largest fleet of Boeing 777s, the biggest aircraft in the market, and Airbus A380. Emirates maintain an average age of each aeroplane to about 6.3 years and, is committed to sustaining that standard. Emirates flight services run for 142 destinations in 78 countries.
The central hub of the airline is located at one of the most beautiful airports in the world i.e. Dubai. Emirates are also popular and widespread in the South and Southeast Asia regions. In India itself, the Emirates serves to 9 Indian airports and is the most preferred airline among the businessmen. It’s in-flight, as well as ground services, are commendable. Even economy class passengers get top-class services including comfortable sitting and in-flight entertainment, etc..
Personal Life
Maurice Flanagan retired from executive vice chairman post on April 2013. In his 35 years of service, the airline witnessed staggering growth and profits. He was recognized as Personality of the Year by Flight International Magazine.
He married a journalist named Audrey Bolton in 1955 and gave birth to three children. He has five grandchildren. He died on 7th May 2015 at the age of 86 at his home in London.
Harshal Pawar is an avid reader, a TV show addict, and a writer. He has a personal blog brainwork.wordpress.com where he jots down his articles and poetry about love and life.
He is currently pursuing film-making and wishes to bring the words written on a paper to the screen. More of all he is a scorpio.