Emirates is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), headquartered in Dubai; and is also the largest airline in the Middle East, connecting 158 destinations in 84 countries (pre-pandemic). Currently, Emirates is operating flights to more than 120 cities, equivalent to a recovery of 90% compared to the airline's pre-pandemic network.

In the context of thousands of flights being cut, passengers being absent, airports being suspended... due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Emirates, with its reputation for creativity and class, is still one of the "bright spots" of the international aviation industry, continuously implementing many development activities despite limitations and difficulties. Travellive had a conversation with Mr. Mohammed Alwahedi - General Director of Emirates Airlines in Vietnam to better understand the airline's operations and plans in the coming period.

- Mr. Mohammed Alwahedi, Emirates is always in the Top of the best airlines in the world, so in your opinion, what are the best impressions the airline has left in the hearts of customers?

Emirates offers luxurious perks for First and Business Class passengers such as cocktail lounges and onboard showers - services that have put Emirates at the forefront of customers' minds.

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

Another special feature of Emirates is the attention we pay to our young passengers on every flight. They are given special attention with delicious meals, entertainment, toys and fun activities to help them be as creative as possible.

- Can you share some of Emirates' proudest recent initiatives that make it worthy of being considered an innovative airline?

One of our key initiatives is our commitment to the environment. As an airline, reducing our carbon footprint is central to Emirates’ strategy. We have a long-term proactive fuel efficiency programme. The various initiatives under this programme last year reduced fuel burn by 71,000 tonnes, which equates to a reduction of 224,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. We are also investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, not only to ensure passenger comfort but also to reduce our environmental impact.

Another focus area is reducing the use of single-use plastic on board our flights. We have introduced paper straws, replaced plastic stirrers with wooden stirrers and replaced plastic bags with paper bags for in-flight purchases. These three initiatives alone, when implemented, will help to divert an estimated 81.7 million single-use plastic items from landfill each year. We have conducted a full review of the single-use plastics used on board our flights and, where feasible, Emirates will phase out or replace these items as well as roll out other initiatives to tackle plastic waste.

In addition, Emirates launched its all-new Premium Economy class last year, offering more choice to its customers. With a pitch of up to 40 inches, a width of 19.5 inches and a recline of 8 inches, Emirates’ Premium Economy seats offer passengers plenty of room to recline and stretch out. Covered in cream-colored stain-resistant leather with the same stitching and wood paneling as the Business Class seats, each seat is designed for optimal comfort and support, with six-way adjustable headrests, backrests and footrests. Passengers will also notice thoughtful design details such as easily accessible charging sockets, a spacious dining table and a side cocktail table.

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

Before the pandemic, Emirates was enjoying great success in its business in Vietnam with daily direct flights from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. We became an important factor in promoting international tourism to Vietnam, contributing significantly to the total of nearly 18,000,000 international arrivals to Vietnam in 2019 alone.

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

Emirates SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, has also contributed to the growing export of fruits from Vietnam including mango, rambutan, passion fruit, dragon fruit and lychee to the Middle East and other global markets.

- It is known that Emirates has applied IATA's electronic health passport (IATA Travel Pass) since April. Specifically, how has the airline been applying this passport in its safety policies for passengers?

Since April, Emirates has been piloting the IATA Travel Pass, a mobile app that allows passengers to easily and securely manage their travel, in line with any government requirements for Covid-19 testing or vaccination information. Emirates is currently offering the IATA Travel Pass to passengers flying to selected cities and is expanding it to other routes in its network in phases, providing greater convenience for passengers while also 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 destinations Emirates customers can travel to with the IATA Travel Pass.

As one of the first airlines to pilot the solution, Emirates has worked closely with IATA and its partners to improve 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 a biometric passport.

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

Dubai has remained a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers since the city reopened in July 2020, and was one of the first cities in the world to receive the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council; a testament to Dubai’s effective and comprehensive measures to ensure the health and safety of visitors.

Dubai has implemented strict health and safety protocols in the city, including mandatory mask wearing in public, social distancing and the installation of sanitization stations. In addition, through the national vaccination program, the UAE has administered more than 19 million doses of vaccines to date, with more than 80% of the population fully vaccinated and on schedule as per health authorities’ guidelines.

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

- Coming to Dubai at the present time, what will international tourists be "conquered" by?

Dubai is famous for its eclectic mix of offerings, from futuristic architecture to vibrant diversity and traditional culture.

As a world-renowned business and leisure destination, the city is constantly coming up with new and exciting ideas to meet the growing demands of its residents and visitors. The result of this persistent and dedicated approach has been the creation of many stunning masterpieces in Dubai such as the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Miracle Garden, Ski Dubai and many more. This year, visitors to Dubai can explore the city's newest attractions such as the Palm Fountain, Sky Walk at The Address Sky View Hotel, Digital Arts Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah, Museum of the Future, Dubai Harbour...

Dubai is clean, safe and easy to navigate with a tourist-friendly public transport system. Metro stations are everywhere and the inside of the trains are clean, comfortable and easy to use, especially for shopping.

In particular, this coming October, Dubai will be the center of the World Expo Dubai 2020, promising to bring the world to a single destination. The city is also the first place 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 series of activities and special offers to celebrate the UAE's Golden Jubilee, marking the 50th anniversary of the country's formation.

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

For every ticket flown with Emirates, passengers will receive an Emirates Expo Day Pass to experience the exciting activities of the event. The offer is applicable to all ticket types, including flights to or via Dubai, for travel between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. Passengers travelling to any destination in Emirates’ global network with a connection time of at least six hours in Dubai will be able to get the pass for free.

The six-month extravaganza will offer experiences for all ages and interests, including rich themed weeks, entertainment and edutainment. Visitors with a passion for art, culture, food and technology can also look forward to exhibitions, workshops, live performances and more. Architecture enthusiasts will be immersed in inspiring design throughout Expo 2020.

Visitors can visit their own country's pavilion to feel the atmosphere of home or visit the pavilions of 190 other countries to experience different cultures and unique services, or thematic and special pavilions to see the picture of the future and the innovations that are making a difference in the future world.

Thank you and I wish you and Emirates further success.