Emirates Airline CEO sees growth despite problems

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airlines, said Tuesday he expects a 10 percent passenger increase in 2016.

He made the remarks at a media briefing of the ongoing, four-day tourism fair Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

"We are still growing and we expect a 10 percent passenger increase year-on-year in 2016 which translates into over 55 million passengers," he said, adding that he is confident that the airlines will reach a seat load factor of over 80 percent in 2016, considered high in civil aviation.

Unlike Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Albaker, who said on Monday at the tourism fair that there was "definitely a negative impact on business travel due to declining oil prices," Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Airlines will continue to grow as it constantly increases its destinations worldwide and offers a "unique service" inflight.

Familiar with the Chinese-Arab travel and tourism trends, Emirates Airlines will launch its fourth and fifth destinations to China on May 3rd flying four weekly flights to the Chinese cities of Zhengzhou and Yinchuan.

Emirates Airlines, the world's fastest growing carrier, already flies directly from Dubai to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

In 2015, some 450,000 Chinese visitors enjoyed Dubai's beaches and shopping malls, representing a 29 percent year-on-year increase.

The airline's and "Corporate Dubai" CEO said he won't change Emirates Airlines's strategy, meaning, "We will offer direct flights from Dubai to more destinations worldwide." Endit