Emirates Group CEO and Chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum recently shared some incredibly positive news - their half-year results are in, and they are nothing short of remarkable. Describing it as a "record performance," the company saw pre-tax profits soar to AED 9.3 billion ($2.5 billion), surpassing their previous best performance from last year. The first six months of the fiscal year 2024-25 exhibited pre-tax profits of AED 10.4 billion ($2.8 billion), marking a 1% increase. This impressive financial update, released on November 7, 2024, also marked the debut of the 9% UAE corporate income tax applied to Emirates Group.

Revenue for Emirates Group during the initial six months of 2024-25 stood at AED 70.8 billion ($19.3 billion), up 5% from the previous year's AED 67.3 billion ($18.3 billion). Emirates Airlines, in particular, experienced a 5% boost in revenue to AED 62.2 billion ($16.9 billion), accompanied by a profit before tax of AED 9.7 billion ($2.6 billion), showcasing a 2% increase compared to the same period in the prior year. Al Maktoum attributed this success to "strong travel and air cargo demand across regions, and the airline's ability to win customer preference with ongoing investments in products and services."

According to Al Maktoum, "The Group has surpassed its record performance of last year to deliver a fantastic result for the first half of 2024-25." He emphasized the significance of their profitability, enabling them to make crucial investments for sustained success. These investments include introducing new products and services, implementing technological advancements, fostering innovation, and ensuring their hardworking employees are well taken care of.

Over the past six months, standout achievements for the Emirates Group included the rollout of three Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777s post a remarkable AED $4 billion ($1.089 billion) retrofit program. Additionally, new signature Emirates Lounges for esteemed customers were unveiled at London-Stansted Airport (STN) and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Emirates SkyCargo also witnessed a significant increase in transported cargo, amounting to 1,198,000 tons in the first half of the year - a notable 16% surge from the previous year.

Looking ahead, Al Maktoum expressed confidence in sustained customer demand throughout the remainder of 2024-25. The group anticipates revenue growth as new aircraft join the Emirates fleet and as dnata unveils new facilities. He concluded with a forward-thinking approach, stating, "The outlook is positive, but we don't intend to rest on our laurels. We will stay agile in deploying our capacity and resources in a dynamic marketplace." Exciting times lie ahead for Emirates Group, reflecting a powerful blend of strategic business acumen and Dubai's ever-evolving landscape.