Emirates is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), headquartered in Dubai; it is also the largest airline in the Middle East, connecting 158 destinations in 84 countries (before the pandemic). Currently, Emirates operates flights to over 120 cities, representing a 90% recovery of its pre-pandemic network.

Amidst thousands of flight cancellations, a lack of passengers, and airport disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Emirates, with its reputation for innovation and class, remains one of the "bright spots" in the international aviation industry, continuously implementing development activities despite limitations and difficulties. Travellive had a conversation with Mr. Mohammed Alwahedi - General Manager of Emirates in Vietnam - to better understand the airline's operations and future plans.

- Mr. Mohammed Alwahedi, Emirates consistently ranks among the world's best airlines. In your opinion, what are the most positive impressions the airline has left on its customers?

Emirates offers luxurious privileges for First Class and Business Class passengers, such as cocktail lounges and in-flight showers – services that have placed Emirates at the forefront of customer preferences.

The airline has received high praise for its service and amenities across all cabin classes. Emirates offers a state-of-the-art, award-winning entertainment system with 4,500 channels and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Another unique aspect of Emirates is our strong focus on young passengers on every flight. Young passengers receive special attention with delicious meals, entertainment, toys, and fun activities to help them unleash their creativity to the fullest.

- Can you share some of Emirates' most proud initiatives in recent times, which have earned the airline the reputation of being a consistently innovative airline?

One of our standout initiatives is our commitment to the environment. As an airline, reducing carbon emissions is central to Emirates' strategy. We have a long-term, proactive fuel efficiency program. Various initiatives under this program last year helped reduce fuel consumption by 71,000 tonnes, equivalent to a reduction of 224,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. We also invest in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, not only to ensure passenger comfort but also to minimize our environmental impact.

Another focus we're aiming for is minimizing the use of single-use plastics on flights. We're introducing paper straws, replacing plastic stirrers with wooden ones, and replacing plastic bags with paper bags when customers purchase items on board. These three initiatives alone will help remove approximately 81.7 million single-use plastics from landfills each year. We've conducted a full assessment of the types of single-use plastics used on flights, and if feasible, Emirates will phase out or replace these items, as well as implement other initiatives to address plastic waste.

Additionally, Emirates launched a brand-new Premium Economy class last year to offer customers more choices. With seat pitch of up to 40 inches (~100 cm), a width of 19.5 inches (~50 cm), and a recline length of 8 inches (~20 cm), Emirates' Premium Economy seats allow passengers to recline and stretch their legs comfortably. Upholstered in stain-resistant cream leather with stitching and wood trim similar to Business Class seats, each seat is designed for optimal comfort and support, with six adjustable headrests, backrests, and footrests. Passengers can also notice thoughtful design details such as easily accessible charging ports, a spacious tray table, and a side cocktail table.

- How do you view Emirates' development in the Vietnamese market in particular?

Prior to the pandemic, Emirates had achieved great success in its business operations in Vietnam with daily direct flights from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. We became a key factor in promoting international tourism to Vietnam, contributing significantly to the nearly 18,000,000 international visitors to Vietnam in 2019 alone.

To expand its commitment to facilitating and promoting tourism to Vietnam from the United Arab Emirates and to encourage international tourism, trade, and investment, Emirates signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in 2018 with the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, and the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center (ITPC).

Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates' air cargo division, has also contributed to the increasing export of Vietnamese fruits, including mangoes, rambutan, passion fruit, dragon fruit, and lychees, to the Middle East and other global markets.

- It is known that Emirates has been using the IATA Travel Pass since April. Specifically, how has the airline been applying this pass in its safety policies for passengers?

Since April, Emirates has been piloting its Electronic Health Passport (IATA Travel Pass) – a mobile application that helps passengers manage their journeys easily and securely, complying with all government requirements for Covid-19 testing and vaccination information. Emirates currently offers the IATA Travel Pass to passengers flying to certain cities and is expanding it to other routes in its network in phases, aiming to provide even greater convenience for passengers while offering a contactless and paperless experience. London, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Istanbul, New York JFK, Moscow, Frankfurt, Charles De Gaulle, and Amsterdam are just some of the many routes where Emirates customers can use the IATA Travel Pass.

As one of the first airlines to test this solution, Emirates has worked closely with IATA and partners to enhance the IATA Travel Pass experience based on passenger feedback. The IATA Travel Pass app is now available for both iOS and Android users, as well as customers without biometric passports.

- Going back to 2020, when Covid-19 impacted global tourism, Dubai was one of the few cities to open its doors to international tourists very early (July 2020), and also received the Safe Travel Stamps from the World Travel and Tourism Council. In your opinion, what contributed to this achievement?

Dubai has remained a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers since reopening in July 2020, and was one of the first cities in the world to be awarded the Safe Travel Label by the World Travel and Tourism Council; this is a testament to Dubai's effective and comprehensive measures in ensuring the health and safety of its visitors.

Dubai has implemented strict health and safety procedures throughout the city, including mandatory mask-wearing in public, social distancing, and the installation of disinfection stations. Additionally, through its national immunization program, the UAE has administered over 19 million vaccine doses to date, with over 80% of the population receiving the full course of vaccinations as recommended by health authorities.

The UAE's rapid response and progress in vaccinating its citizens and implementing biosecurity measures is a testament to the vision and commitment of its leaders to protecting the community and controlling the pandemic, by taking appropriate measures to safeguard residents and tourists.

- What aspects of Dubai will captivate international tourists visiting the city today?

Dubai is renowned for its eclectic blend of services, from futuristic architecture to vibrant diversity and traditional culture.

As a world-renowned entertainment and business destination, the city constantly introduces new and exciting ideas to meet the diverse needs of its residents and tourists. The result of this persistent and dedicated approach has been the creation of many stunning masterpieces in Dubai, such as the Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, the Burj Khalifa tower, the Dubai Miracle Garden, the Ski Dubai theme park, and many more. This year, visitors to Dubai can explore the city's newest attractions, including the Palm Fountain, the Sky Walk at The Address Sky View hotel, the Digital Art Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah, the Museum of the Future, and Dubai Harbour.

Dubai is very clean, safe, and easy to get around with its tourist-friendly public transport system. Metro stations are everywhere, and the train cars are spotlessly clean, comfortable, and user-friendly, especially for shopping.

In particular, this coming October, Dubai will be the focal point for the World Expo Dubai 2020, promising to bring the world to a single destination. The city is also the first in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region to host a World Expo. Visitors to the city during the event will enjoy a range of activities and special offers to celebrate the UAE's Golden Jubilee, marking the 50th anniversary of the country's founding.

So, what special programs does Emirates have to accompany this exciting event?

For every Emirates flight ticket purchased, passengers will receive an Emirates Expo Day Card to experience the exciting activities of the event. This offer applies to all ticket types, including flights to or via Dubai, for journeys from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Passengers traveling to any destination within Emirates' global network with a minimum six-hour layover in Dubai will be eligible for the free ticket.

This spectacular six-month program will offer experiences to suit all ages and interests, including themed weeks of diverse entertainment and educational activities. Visitors passionate about art, culture, food, and technology can also look forward to exhibitions, workshops, live performances, and more. Architecture enthusiasts will be immersed in inspiring designs throughout Expo 2020.

Visitors can visit their own country's booth to get a feel for home, or go to the booths of 190 other countries to experience different cultures and unique services, or themed booths and especially to see a picture of the future and the innovations that are making a difference in the world tomorrow.

Thank you and we wish you and Emirates even more success.