TriStar_drvr

But did all those people getting on the airplanes pay enough to cover the increase costs of operating them? At least one major investment firm is predicting a 1 cent per share loss ($7-8 million) for the first quarter.

Linebacker35

I imagine the Sheik gives it to them for almost nothing. Seeing as Dubai nationals seem to get all kinds of breaks from the Government

KC10 FATboy

Well, considering that Emirates is owned by the Government of Dubai, it probably doesn't matter what they pay. No matter what, the government will keep them in business.

-Fatty

jetgo166

Emirates gets their fuel from refineries from Malaysia, if I am correct. They claim to pay market rate for their fuel, like everyone else, and they have always stated that they do not get subsidized by the local government. Whether that is true or not is subject to debate, but their business model is completely different from anything here in the states. Also, they have cut deals with countries such as Libya, when such countries end up owing them money ( why do they owe them money, I do not know), and get paid in gallons of Jet-A instead of currency. That and the ready availability of extremely cheap sub-continent labor, and "...no labor unions" as their recruiter so proudly announces, gives them something that this business has not seen. Comparing them to anything here is apples to oranges. That said, they are the classiest airline I ever dealt with.

SoCalGuy

Who knows.....Not to deviate too far from the thread/topic, but you are talking about business and practices in the Middle East.....If I were to bet, some of the business practices are not "above the board" by our standards.