What Emirates Group does

Emirates Group is a Dubai-based, privately-held aviation conglomerate wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), a sovereign wealth fund of the Dubai government. Founded in 1985 around the Emirates airline brand, the group has grown into a vertically integrated aviation, air services and travel platform operating across six continents through two principal pillars: Emirates Airline, an international passenger and cargo carrier serving 153 airports in 81 countries with a widebody fleet anchored by the world's largest A380 fleet and an order book of 315 widebody aircraft; and dnata, one of the world's largest air services providers offering ground handling, cargo, catering, and travel services to over 100 external airline customers. Adjacent businesses include Emirates SkyCargo (air logistics), Emirates Flight Catering (catering 116+ airlines), Emirates Skywards (loyalty program), Emirates Engineering, Emirates Aviation University, Transguard Group (security, cash and facility services), and a portfolio of destination management, hospitality, retail and digital travel brands. The group employed 124,927 staff as of September 2025 and generated record revenue of approximately US$ 47.4 billion in FY 2025-26, making Emirates the world's most profitable airline for the second consecutive year with a 14.9% profit margin.

Revenue is generated through ticket sales across First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins (with H1 2025-26 passenger revenue of AED 65.6 billion at a 79.5% seat factor), cargo transport (1.25 million tonnes in H1 2025-26), B2B contracts with airline customers for ground handling and catering, travel agency commissions, loyalty program co-branding, holiday package sales, and security/facility management services. The technology stack spans proprietary systems including the Winnow AI food waste management platform (35% waste reduction), the Calogi online cargo booking portal, an AI-powered chatbot for customer service, predictive maintenance for aircraft, automated payroll and financial reporting, and dynamic pricing optimization. Distribution combines direct sales at airports and a growing global footprint of concept travel stores (eight opened in 2025), the emirates.com website and mobile app, traditional travel agency and OTA channels, and B2B contract sales for dnata services. Marketing leans on long-duration, premium-tier sports sponsorships including FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Basketball, ATP Tour (until 2030), Olympique Lyonnais (until 2030) and the Investec Champions Cup.

Name

Emirates Group

Legal name

The Emirates Group

Website

https://theemiratesgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Emirates Group is a Dubai-based, ICD-owned aviation conglomerate operating Emirates Airline (the world's most profitable airline) and dnata (a global air services platform spanning ground handling, cargo, catering and travel across six continents), serving over 150 destinations and 116+ external airline customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Transportation and Aviation Services

NAICS

Scheduled Air Transportation (48111), Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation (481212), Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)

SIC

Air Courier Services (4513), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Airlines (Passenger + Belly Cargo Integrated) (THABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Air Freight Charter Operators (THABAEAD), E-commerce Air Cargo Carriers (TLADAAAK)

Keywords

• Passenger air transportation
• Air cargo logistics
• Airport ground handling
• Flight catering services
• Aircraft maintenance engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Emirates Passenger Operations: Core passenger airline operations generating primary revenue through ticket sales across business and economy classes. Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers in H1 2025-26 with an average seat factor of 79.5%. Revenue of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion) in H1 2025-26, up 6% year-over-year.
2. Emirates SkyCargo: Global air cargo operations from Dubai as one of the world's largest air logistics hubs. Transported 1.25 million tonnes in H1 2025-26, up 4% year-over-year. Emirates added capacity from 3 new Boeing 777 freighters and launched Emirates Courier Express for door-to-door express shipping.
3. Emirates Flight Catering: Flight catering services to over 120 airlines departing Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Uplifted 7.7 million meals for 116 airlines during H1 2025-26. Revenue from external customers grew 13% to AED 555 million (US$ 151 million).
4. dnata Airport Operations: Ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services across six continents. In H1 2025-26, dnata handled 450,903 aircraft turns (up 15%) and 1.59 million tonnes of cargo (up 3%). Revenue contribution of AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion).
5. dnata Travel Services: Multi-channel travel agency operating in UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Afghanistan, Iraq and India. Travel division contributed AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million) to revenue with underlying TTV of AED 5.0 billion (US$ 1.4 billion).
6. Emirates Skywards: Frequent flyer program generating revenue through membership engagement and partnerships with credit card and loyalty programs.
7. Emirates Premium Economy and Retail: Premium Economy available on routes between Dubai and 61 cities. Emirates Leisure Retail acquired remaining 25% stake in Air Ventures LLC in the US for airport retail and F&B outlets.
8. Emirates Holidays: Tailor-made holiday packages to over 100 destinations.
9. Transguard Services: Cash, Security and Manpower Services plus Integrated Facility Services including valuable commodities transportation such as diamonds, jewellery, and precious metals.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Emirates Group operates a global aviation and travel services conglomerate anchored by Emirates Airline (passenger flights to over 150 destinations) and dnata (airport ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services across six continents). It also provides air cargo logistics via Emirates SkyCargo, loyalty programs through Emirates Skywards, holiday packages, flight catering to over 120 airlines, aircraft maintenance through Emirates Engineering, aviation education, and private jet services.

Product overview

Emirates Group is a diversified aviation and travel conglomerate operating as a platform-plus-multiple-subsidiaries model. The core holdings are Emirates Airline (world's most profitable international airline) and dnata (global air services provider). The portfolio spans aviation (Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates Executive), ground handling and cargo (dnata network, Gerry's dnata), catering and hospitality (Emirates Flight Catering, Alpha Flight Services, Emirates Leisure Retail, marhaba), travel services (dnata Travel, Emirates Holidays, Travelbag, Gold Medal, Yalago), training and education (Emirates Aviation University, Emirates Flight Training Academy, Emirates CAE Flight Training), security (Emirates Group Security, Transguard Group), logistics (dnata logistics, Air Dispatch, Calogi), digital platforms (EmQuest, DUBZ, priohub), destination management (Arabian Adventures, Destination Asia), and non-core holdings (Premier Inn Middle East, mmi beverages, The Sevens Stadium). Emirates Skywards serves as the group's loyalty program linking Emirates and flydubai. The group manages over USD 20 billion in annual procurement spend through its Epic/iSupplier platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Emirates Skywards: Award-winning frequent flyer programme for both Emirates and flydubai
• Emirates SkyCargo
• Emirates Holidays
• dnata Travel
• marhaba
• Bustanica
• dnata4good
• En Route
• priohub
• Yalago
• Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR)
• Kosher Arabia

Products and services

• Emirates Airline

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced food waste by 35% using Winnow AI system
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability10 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and flagship.

• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2025Emirates Aviation University collaborated with Boeing for the 8th Water Rocket Competition inspiring students to think STEM. Boeing is a key aircraft supplier with Emirates ordering 315 widebody aircraft including 65 Boeing 777-9 jets.
• Air SeychellessecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Codeshare and interline partnership providing network connectivity and passenger services.
• CondorsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Codeshare and interline partnership providing network connectivity and passenger services.
• AurignysecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Codeshare and interline partnership providing network connectivity and passenger services.
• FC Bayern MunchenflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Multi-year Platinum Partner sponsorship with German football champion FC Bayern Munchen for brand visibility.
• Real Madrid BasketballflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid Basketball team for brand visibility and market reach.
• ATPflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Premier Partner and Official Airline of ATP Tour extended up to 2030. Tennis sponsorship for global brand visibility.
• Olympique LyonnaisflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Shirt sponsorship extended until 2030 with French football club Olympique Lyonnais.
• Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge CupflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Premium Partner and Official Airline Partner of Investec Champions Cup and European Professional Club Rugby Challenge Cup.
• Dubai BasketballcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025dnata's first major sports sponsorship - three-year agreement as Founding Partner of Dubai's first professional basketball franchise.
• Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Emirates joined ACC, a network committed to building a circular economy for aviation and creating new pathways to accelerate decarbonization through high-value circularity in the global supply chain.
• Coca-Cola ArenaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022Emirates Flight Catering became exclusive F&B partner for Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai's largest entertainment venue with 17,000 capacity. Provides complete food and beverage services including menu development, food production, logistics, and service staff for all events.
• Dubai AirportscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 August 2021Emirates Group Security signed MoA with Dubai Airports to enhance specialist skills training for airport staff including fire safety and prevention, and first aid certification.
• GMR Aviation Academy (GMRAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 June 2021Emirates Group Security signed MoU with GMRAA to develop and exchange information, technical expertise, and aviation security knowledge. Jointly provides over 75 online courses covering aviation security, diploma certificates, bachelor's and postgraduate studies.
• WinnowcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 October 2020Emirates Flight Catering partnered with Winnow to deploy an AI-powered food waste management system that reduces food waste by 35%. The system uses cameras, smart scales, and machine learning to identify waste types and calculate financial and environmental costs.

Scale indicators29 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Cargolux: Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 747 freighters globally. Most direct comparable to Emirates SkyCargo's dedicated freighter operations in the scheduled all-cargo segment.
• Air France-KLM: European full-service network group with Air France and KLM long-haul operations plus AFKL Cargo/Martinair cargo division. Comparable on hub-and-spoke global network, premium product focus, and significant dedicated air freight capability.
• Turkish Airlines: Istanbul-based carrier flying to more countries than any other airline, with full-service network and growing cargo operations. Comparable on scale of global route network, hub-connect strategy, and integrated passenger + cargo model.
• Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi-based Gulf network airline offering full-service long-haul passenger and cargo services. Direct competitor for Gulf hub traffic and corporate travel share, with overlapping network to Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Qatar Airways: Doha-based global network full-service airline with major hub strategy, premium cabin focus, and significant Qatar Airways Cargo division. Closest geographic and strategic peer to Emirates, competing on overlapping long-haul routes out of the Gulf.
• Cathay Pacific Group: Hong Kong-based global full-service airline with significant Cathay Cargo operation. Comparable on long-haul network structure, premium brand positioning, and integrated passenger + belly cargo business model.
• Singapore Airlines: Asia-based global full-service network carrier with industry-leading premium products (Suites, First, Business) and dedicated Scoot low-cost subsidiary. Comparable on network full-service model, premium yield focus, and integrated cargo via SIA Cargo.

Broad incumbents

• International Airlines Group (IAG): Parent of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL plus IAG Cargo. Comparable full-service network model, multi-brand strategy, and integrated cargo (IAG Cargo); broader portfolio and publicly listed vs Emirates' sovereign ownership.
• Delta Air Lines: Largest US global carrier with full-service network, premium products, and Delta Cargo. Emirates overtook Delta as the world's most profitable airline in FY 2024-25; comparable on global network scale, profitability ambition, and integrated cargo, though Delta is US-domestic-heavy.
• Lufthansa Group: Europe's largest airline group with full-service network carriers (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian), low-cost subsidiaries, and Lufthansa Cargo. Comparable on long-haul full-service model and dedicated cargo operations but operates multiple hubs and broader portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat8 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/emirates
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/emirates
• Facebookfacebook.com/emirates
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/emirates
• Instagraminstagram.com/emirates

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries26 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Emirates Group