A fine-tuned business model, improved processes, more mature internal structures and more efficient hub operations in Dubai could make Emirates an even greater threat to European and Asian legacy airlines. Since it was set up by the government of Dubai in 1985, Emirates has grown into the world's largest carrier on international routes in terms of revenue passenger miles. Its track record and its 2010 multibillion-dollar orders for another 32 Airbus A380s and 30 Boeing 777-300ERs announced at this year's Berlin and Parnborough air shows have made it-and to a lesser extent its Persian Gulf region peers, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways-the largest concern for its overseas rivals in the long-haul sector.
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