Emirates to turn focus on corporates
Emirates will focus on growing its corporate business out of Australia as the carrier admitted it is still five percentage points off its desired load factor on Australian routes.
Speaking to media at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, senior vice president commercial operations Far East & Australasia Salem Obaidalla said Emirates has seen load factors rise since the April 1 start of its tie-up with Qantas.
Loads currently average 80% with Australia accounting for 27% of the airline’s revenue, he revealed. But there remains work to be done, as he outlined a targeted load factor of 85%.
“We see growth in corporate so we’ll be focusing on the business travel sector,” Obaidalla said, adding the carrier is also seeking to double the number of Dubai stopovers from the Australian market.
It will work closely with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to achieve these goals, with Obaidalla emphasising the role of the trade.
“80% of our business globally comes from travel agents so they are a very strong partner and we will continue to work with and support them,” he said.
The airline has outlined plans to grow the annual Australian mega famil next year to include even more agents. This year’s group of 275 agents are due to touch down in the destination next week.
Meanwhile, Obaidalla confirmed no further service expansions are on the cards for its Australian routes for the time being, with future capacity increases dependent on market demand.
It will add a second Airbus A380 service to its Sydney route from June 1.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airlines aviaiton corporate travel emiratesLatest News
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