For the first time in the group’s history, redundancies were implemented across all parts of the business. As a result, the group’s workforce reduced by 31% to 75,145 employees, representing over 160 different nationalities.
Sheikh Ahmed added: “No one knows when the pandemic will be over, but we know recovery will be patchy. Economies and companies that entered pandemic times in a strong position will be better placed to bounce back. Until 2020-21, Emirates and dnata have had a track record of growth and profitability, based on solid business models, steady investments in capability and infrastructure, a strong drive for innovation, and a deep talent pool led by a stable leadership team. These fundamental ingredients of our success remain unchanged. Together with Dubai’s undiminished ambitions to grow economic activity and build a city for the future, I am confident that Emirates and dnata will recover and be stronger than before.”
Emirates’ total passenger and cargo capacity declined by 58% to 24.8 billion ATKMs at the end of 2020-21, due to pandemic related flight and travel restrictions, including a complete suspension of commercial passenger services for nearly eight weeks as directed by the UAE government from 25 March 2020.
Emirates received three new A380 aircraft during the financial year and phased out 14 older aircraft comprising of nine Boeing 777-300ERs and five A380s, leaving its fleet count at 259 at the end of March. Emirates’ average fleet age remains at 7.3 years. Emirates’ order book for 200 aircraft remains unchanged at this time.
Emirates gradually restored its passenger network and hub connectivity from mid-June 2020 as the UAE re-opened for transit travellers and later for international arrivals.
During the year, Emirates reactivated its strategic codeshare partnership with flydubai, and entered into agreements with new partners TAP Air Portugal, FlySafair, and Airlink in South Africa, to expand connectivity for its customers.
From zero scheduled passenger flights at the start of the financial year to operations in over 120 destinations by 31 March 2021, Emirates has shown its ability to adapt and respond to challenges and the resilience of its people and business model.