UAE airline Emirates is hoping to operate 100% of its network by this time next year. The airline’s COO made the comments earlier today. It comes following a complete flight suspension earlier this year as the UAE government banned passenger flights to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Around the world, recovery is taking place within the aviation industry. However, many airlines and industry body IATA currently estimate that it will take until 2024 for passenger levels to return to what we saw in 2019. As passengers slowly return, airlines are reactivating their routes, with some such as easyJet seeing demand increasing faster than expected.
Full network by summer 2021
Speaking to CNBC today, Emirates’ COO Adel al Redha commented that he sees 100% of the airline’s pre-pandemic routes having an Emirates service by this time next year. al Redha told the channel,
“I think we can easily say by Summer 21 we will be serving 100% of our network destinations. That means 143 destinations will be served by summer 21. Obviously the frequency of flights per day will depend on demand…”
While Emirates may be planning on serving all 143 of its destinations by this time next year, they may not see the same number of flights as before the pandemic.
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Indeed, we have already seen the carrier scale back its capacity ramp up on a key European route. Emirates was quick to place its giant Airbus A380 back onto its route to Amsterdam. However, after just two weeks of operation, the aircraft was replaced with a Boeing 777 due to lower than anticipated demand.
However, it works both ways. This week we saw Emirates operate the world’s first-ever Airbus A380 flight to Clark in the Philippines due to a surge in demand. What we know is that all routes will have a service, but with less frequency than before. A double daily service could only operate daily, for example. Perhaps a quieter destination could even only have one flight per week.
What does this mean for the Airbus A380 fleet?
Al Redha didn’t mention the Airbus A380 fleet. However, it will likely be positively impacted by the return of more routes. Emirates is closely watching the demand for flights and is scheduling the A380, where it sees sufficient need. London Heathrow already has a second daily A380 flight.
Tied with an increase in routes will be an increase in fleet demand. According to Planespotters.net, the airline has 142 Boeing 777s with a passenger configuration. However, it will likely operate an increasing proportion of its routes with the Airbus A380 as time goes by. The big question is when other airlines will begin to reactivate the Airbus A380?
Do you think Emirates will succeed in reactivating 100% of its route network by summer 2021? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
