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Emirates net profit plunges 70% to $680.4m..! 

These are the 8 benefits of being an Emirates Pilot.

Emirates Group reported on Thursday a 70 per cent decline in its net profit, which reached Dh2.5 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2017, as the group cited “a turbulent year for aviation and travel. “The group’s revenues for the year were up 2 per cent year-on-year to reach Dh94.7 billion.

In a statement, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline and Group, said 2016-2017 was one of the company’s “most challenging years to date.”
“We remain optimistic for the future of our industry, although we expect the year ahead to remain challenging, with hyper competition squeezing airline yields, and volatility in many markets impacting travel flows and demand,” he said.

Shaikh Ahmad also cited other challenges during the year that impacted travel, including the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, Europe’s immigration challenges, terror attacks, currency fluctuations, and new policies regarding air travel to the US from Middle Eastern airports.

Meanwhile, Emirates airline reported an 82 per cent decline in its profits for the year to reach Dh1.3 billion. The airline’s revenues remained stable at Dh85.1 billion, as it carried 56.1 million passengers (up 8 per cent compared to last year).


Europe was the highest revenue-contributing region, with Dh23.9 billion in airline revenues coming from the continent.

Total operating costs increased by 8 per cent year-on-year, with fuel remaining the biggest cost component for the airline. Though average jet fuel prices fell slightly during the year, Emirates’ fuel bill increased by 6 per cent to Dh21 billion due to capacity increase.

The carrier received 35 new aircraft during the year, comprising of 19 A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs. It also phased out 27 older aircraft, bringing Emirates’ total fleet count to 259 at the end of March.

From an operational perspective, Emirates launched six new passenger destinations, and added capacity to nine cities on its existing route network.

As for dnata, its profits crossed Dh1.2 billion for the first time, while revenues jumped 15 per cent to reach Dh12.2 billion. The growth was supported by new acquisitions in the US and in the Czech Republic.

During the year, Emirates Group invested Dh13.7 billion in new aircraft and equipment, acquisition of companies, technology, and staff initiatives.

Shaikh Ahmad said these investments will strengthen the group’s resilience, and allow it to adapt to the “volatile business climate and fast changing consumer expectations.”
As for dnata, its profits crossed Dh1.2 billion for the first time, while revenues jumped 15 per cent to reach Dh12.2 billion. The growth was supported by new acquisitions in the US and in the Czech Republic.

During the year, Emirates Group invested Dh13.7 billion in new aircraft and equipment, acquisition of companies, technology, and staff initiatives.

Shaikh Ahmad said these investments will strengthen the group’s resilience, and allow it to adapt to the “volatile business climate and fast changing consumer expectations.”

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

  • Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
  • Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.

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