Our relationship with Europe is also varied, ranging from major sponsorships with top league football clubs (Arsenal FC in the UK, AC Milan in Italy, Paris Saint Germain in France, Olympiacos CFP in Greece and Hamburger SV in Germany) to our ongoing commitment to the aircraft products of Airbus, with their headquarters and main factory in Toulouse, France.
In July 2008, Emirates received the first of its 58 A380 aircraft on order from Airbus. The delivery, at the Jürgen Thomas Delivery Centre at the Airbus site in Hamburg, was a momentous occasion for European and German employment, investment and partnership between Airbus and Emirates. The A380 Emirates deal is worth over $US 18 billion and accounts for at least 10,000 direct European jobs, a point sadly lost on those who argue for protection for national flag carriers or claim competition is bad for Europe.
Emirates has been a part of German skies, cities and communities for over 20 years, from when it first commenced its flights to Frankfurt in July 1987.
Today, Emirates operates 49 weekly passenger flights from Dubai to Germany, serving the cities of Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. Emirates also operates 11 weekly cargo flights from Dubai to Germany, serving the cities of Frankfurt (including Hahn airport), Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg.
To read a transcript of a speech given by Tim Clark, President of Emirates airlines, to the European Aviation Club on 12th Nov 2009, please download the PDF here.