Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim stated at the Arabian Travel Market that various uncertainties necessitate vigilant observation and management.
Emirates Airline has not yet experienced any direct impact from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but the company remains cautious due to global uncertainty, said Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, in an interview with Reuters during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
“Things are looking quite positive. But it’s something, again, you cannot ignore. There are so many uncertainties out there that we need to watch and monitor,” Kazim stated.
One of the biggest operational challenges Emirates currently faces is delays in aircraft deliveries, which have led the airline to accelerate its $5 billion fleet retrofitting programme, initially announced in 2021. This move helps the airline maintain capacity and meet rising travel demand despite ongoing aircraft supply shortages.
“If Boeing planes had been delivered as per the schedule, we’d have had 90 aircraft flying,” Kazim noted.
Emirates is the largest airline in the UAE and one of the world's leading carriers, particularly known for operating the largest fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft. It is also a major global cargo operator, playing a significant role in the UAE's aviation and economic sectors.
Commenting on whether Emirates would consider taking delivery of aircraft originally intended for Chinese airlines, which may be canceled due to U.S.-China trade tensions, Kazim was clear: “We cannot take other people’s or other companies’ aircraft for sure. Each airline has specific design and business requirements.”
The remarks come as Boeing seeks to resell dozens of aircraft delayed by trade disputes with China. Recently, it repatriated a third jet to the U.S., as tensions escalate and Trump intensifies criticism of Beijing.
Despite supply chain issues, Kazim confirmed that Emirates expects to receive 12 to 15 new aircraft by the end of summer 2025. These additions will support the airline’s continued global network expansion as international travel rebounds strongly.
0 comments