has already risen to 67 cities in 47 countries since services started in 1965.
Emirates also announced orders for more four-engined A340s, purchasing two more ultra-long-range A340-500 and 18 of the larger A340-600. higher gross weight aircraft, as well as leasing two A340-600 from ILFC, the International Lease Finance Corporation. This makes Emirates the launch customer for the A340-600 HGW.
The confirmed orders announced in Paris, along with those revealed at the Dubai Air Show in 2001, bring Emirates' current total order book to US$26 billion. The expanded order book will increase Emirates' fleet to 125 aircraft by 2012 as part of its long term plans to serve many new countries. The new jets will also boost flights on existing routes to Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Were these orders for new aircraft, a prudent business decision or was it sheer bravery? What ever may be the case, the wisdom of such a dramatic decision will pay off when the good times come again.
Emirates have clearly shown its ability to turn vision into reality, as its growth and success over almost two decades has shown. Emirates' emergence as a global

brand reflects Dubai's vision to become the leading aviation hub of the 21st Century. By 2010 Emirates expects to carry 29 million people and 1.5 million tones of cargo a year, one reason why it is now the world's biggest buyer of new aircraft.
But Emirates is not the only Airlines in the Middle East to have a vision of becoming a major player in the International Aviation business. In fact, the Airlines industry in the Middle East and the related air cargo activities do not seem to be much affected by the ongoing hostilities in the world. Airlines in the Middle East, on the contrary, continue to expand.
Emirates may be the undisputed leader in the passenger and air cargo operations in the Middle East, but today it is facing stiff competition from other airlines in the region. Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Saudia Airlines and Royal Jordanian are all actively developing their respective passenger routes and cargo products.
Likewise, in support to the Airlines, airports and related ground handling facilities as well as free zones are being expanded. The jet fuel industry in the Middle East will also benefit from the growth of the Airlines. Of special interest is the freighter expansion by all the Airlines, especially Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways who

have followed Emirates to virtually all markets. It appears that Emirates Airlines look set to have some serious competition from Qatar Airways.
According to a Dubai based veteran cargo Director of an Airline, "The idea behind the freighter expansion in some Airlines is to position them to take advantage of what a few in the industry reckons is an imminent global recovery round the corner."
"As the world comes out of recession, the air cargo will recover strongly, so the Airlines are gearing up for that by making capacity available to key markets," he added.
When the recovery does come, those Airlines that have already put the capacity in place will fly with full load, more often, while the other Airlines will be scrabbling for capacity, in a 'freighter market.'