Emirates Airlines celebrates 30th year with major growth

Emirates Airlines celebrated its 30th year in business and its accomplishments in several key categories in 2015, company officials said last week.

“2015 has been one of considerable growth for Emirates as we continued to steer our course despite the headwinds of regional conflict, unfavorable currency impact and shaky business and consumer confidence in many global markets," Emirates Airlines President Tim Clark said. "Emirates has come out strong as our mindset, combined with our fleet and network strategy, has enabled us to absorb shocks and maximize opportunities."

Clark attributed the airline's growth and resilience to the company's focus on maintaining an efficient fleet, efficient operations, and retaining high quality staff. The company added 26 new aircraft last year and will add 26 new planes in 2016. It also added six new passenger destinations, three new cargo destinations and laid the groundwork for the world's longest nonstop flight, a 17 hour, 35 minute ride from the UAE to Panama City.

Emirates Airlines operated more than 186,000 flights in 2015 and carried 51.3 million passengers, up almost 10 percent from 2014. In total, Emirates aircraft logged more than 512 million miles.

All of these statistics contributed to 21 percent growth in the Emirates' brand value last year, making it worth an estimated $6.6 billion.