Across the EU in 2013/14, Emirates supported 85,100 jobs, equivalent to €6.8 billion GDP of the total EU GDP. In addition, Emirates’ Airbus A380 deliveries for the same period supported 41,000 jobs, equivalent to €3.4 billion GDP. These figures result from a socio-economic impact study measuring Emirates’ contribution to the European economy conducted by the leading European consultancy Frontier Economics.

In addition to check-in staff and back-office positions, the airline contributes to the Cypriot economy on a daily basis through purchases of a range of goods and services that include airport and landing fees, ground handling and baggage handling, fuel, IT services, advertising, car rentals and chauffeur driver services, and maintenance services. While this activity has a multiplier effect for the Cypriot economy, Emirates also provides Cyprus with a vital link to the East.

"Cyprus was among the first European countries to be served by Emirates joining the Dubai-based global network in 1994. From the original three flights per week 21 years ago, today Emirates links Cyprus to Dubai and beyond, on a daily basis, offering an incalculable value to Cyprus in terms of connectivity," said Hermes Airports CEO, Wes Porter. “During the last 21 years, through its uninterrupted service to Cyprus, Emirates has affirmed its commitment to Cyprus by upgrading its capacity to meet the growing passenger demand and enhancing trade opportunities."

Ranked as the major scheduled carrier out of Cyprus, Emirates links travellers from Cyprus with over 100 destinations via Dubai to the east and with Malta. Emirates presently offers 474 seats into and out of Cyprus – on a daily basis – serving as the ideal carrier for business and leisure travellers from the Far East to visit and do business in Cyprus.

Emirates has a direct positive impact on the Cyprus economy itself. In addition to passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo offers a belly-hold capacity on 13 tonnes on Airbus330-200, further increasing trade prospects for Cyprus across the Emirates network. Key exports from Cyprus include pharmaceuticals and refrigerated goods, while the main imports are technical and mechanical equipment, pharmaceuticals, live fish, flowers, and fresh vegetables.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, commented: "Emirates is fully committed to the European market. The relationship goes back to 1987 when we first started flying from Dubai to London Gatwick. Cyprus was the eighth (8th) European destination and the 26th country worldwide.

“Today, Emirates operate over 350 passenger flights a week from Europe, providing global connectivity via our hub in Dubai. Emirates’ economic impact is significant; based on Frontier’s report; we supported over one hundred thousand jobs across Europe through our operations and our aircraft purchases from Airbus. By stimulating demand for travel and cargo, especially in markets underserved by other airlines, Emirates contributes to the economies of the communities we serve," said Sir Tim Clark.

The study conducted by Frontier demonstrates that Emirates’ presence in 28 European destinations, including Cyprus, significantly contributes to regional development, especially in non-hub markets that have traditionally been overlooked by other carriers.

Dan Elliott, Founder and Director of Frontier Economics, stated: “Our research shows that the direct, indirect and induced impact of Emirates’ operations and the development of connectivity to secondary European cities in particular, makes a substantial contribution to EU GDP. The economic this connectivity brings to the EU is at times underappreciated, and something that merits attention."

Source: Financial Mirror