Emirates airline has announced a generous 22-week bonus for eligible employees following a remarkable financial year marked by record profits, The National reported.
The Dubai-based airline posted a post-tax profit of Dh19.06 billion ($5.2 billion) for the financial year ending in March, a 10.6 percent increase from the previous year. The rise in profits was driven by strong demand for long-haul travel, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
Emirates’ revenue also grew by 6 percent, reaching Dh127.9 billion, with over 53.6 million passengers flying with the airline during the year. This marks the third consecutive year of record profits for the airline.
In recognition of the company’s success, eligible employees will receive a 22-week bonus, building on the 20-week bonus distributed last year. In 2023, more than 50,000 staff members received 24 weeks’ pay as part of their annual bonus.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and group, highlighted the company’s resilience, stating, “Since Emirates was established, we’ve returned a profit every year except in 1986-87, and during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020-21 to 2021-22.”
The company also reported a 9.5 percent increase in its workforce, now totaling 69,465 employees.
Looking ahead, Emirates has continued to expand its fleet, with around 90 percent of its aircraft set for retrofitting and over 300 new planes on order. The airline has also hinted at further acquisitions at the upcoming Dubai Airshow in November.
Emirates and dnata, its aviation services arm, declared combined dividends of Dh6 billion for their owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
