Celebrating 25 years of India operations, Emirates has played a catalytic role in enhancing economic ties between India and the UAE. Trade volume between the two countries has significantly increased with a 53 per cent jump in the value of Indian exports between 2007/08 and 2008/09 alone, from Dhs 57.4 billion (US$15.63bn) to Dhs 87.85 ($23.92bn). The UAE now accounts for 13 per cent of India’s total exports.

 

The special, one-off flight of the 517-seat A380 arrived at the IGI Airport to a water cannon salute. A senior delegation of Emirates officials led by Richard Vaughan - Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations - and Majid Al Mualla - Emirates’ Senior Vice President, West Asia & Indian Ocean - arrived on this special flight of the A380, commissioned to celebrate the launch of the new Terminal 3.

 

“This is a proud moment for Emirates as we celebrate 25 years of successful operations in India, one of our most important destinations, not just in Southern Asia, but across our global network,” Vaughan told a 200-strong audience comprising media, travel agents and VIPs, hosted by Emirates and GMR.

“The access that the Indian government has granted over this past quarter century has allowed Emirates to invest and create a significant business by operating 184 weekly flights to 10 Indian cities.

 

“Today, the Emirates Group employs over 10,400 Indians, which is approximately 28 per cent of our total workforce. The opportunity that India presents is one that shall help us further strengthen our ties with this country.”