Şebnem Akalın: Mr. Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, thank you for making this interview with us in the A380’s onboard lounge.  It’s amazing to think that we are literally soaring through the air right now, thousands of miles up on this exceptional flight from Dubai to Istanbul.  Emirates launched A380 flights from Dubai – Istanbul and the opening of Dubai Expo on the same day…and as Emirates Airlines guests we had the chance to visit the Emirates booth and experienced innovative airplanes, the future of air travel and the Dubai airport. 

Emirates Airlines is an official sponsor of the Dubai Expo.  Can you share a bit about your aircraft and the expo as far as what’s in store for your guests at the Emirates booth? What will visitors experience and see at this year’s event?

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla: This is an exciting time as we are launching the A380 to Istanbul and at the same time we are opening Dubai Expo 2020. As you know this is a huge event with more than 190 participants and Emirates airlines is proud to be part of this expo and is one of the main sponsors. As part of our promotion our customers flying to Dubai receive a one-day free pass to the Dubai Expo and can safely experience the expo and the Dubai airport as we have implemented all recommended COVID measures and are making travel touchless during the flight and in the airport. At the Dubai Expo you will experience what we will be offering in the future.

Şebnem Akalın: The A380 is mostly a long-haul aircraft but Emirates airlines will fly on a short line from Dubai to Istanbul? Did your customers request this kind of service? Because it’s really an incredible experience flying with the A380.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla: Istanbul is one of the main points of our network. We have seen tremendous growth, especially after the initial COVID outbreak when flights were back to normal operations. We recognized that lots of people from Dubai wanted to fly to Turkey and that’s why we were considering it, and we have wanted to fly to Istanbul with the A380 for a while, but the airport was not ready until now.  When the airport was ready we felt that it was the right time to start our flights. Our customers who travel all over the world can connect directly A380 to A380 from Istanbul. I have met with some passengers who are flying right now and had a little talk with them, and they told me that they are really very excited. We also thank the Civil Aviation Authority and the government of Turkey for making this happen.

Şebnem Akalın: With increased global awareness on the environment, individuals as well as companies are shaping the future now for a greener tomorrow. Yesterday at the Dubai Expo we saw that Emirates airlines is focusing a lot of attention on creating a greener world and working on new technologies like aircraft fuel, environmentally friendly customer service and green airports. What can you tell us about this?

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla: The fundamental aim of Emirates airlines is net zero carbon emissions. We are also striving to use less plastics to protect the environment as well. Our aircraft are all new and this means less fuel consumption. We are one of the main global airlines trying to use all the new technologies to protect the environment.

Şebnem Akalın: Mr. Sheikh Majid Al Mualla thank you for your time. What would you like to add for our readers in closing?

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla: Turkish people are always welcome to our country. The UAE is their second home, and our services will strengthen relations between our two countries. We are excited to welcome new passengers aboard the A380 and we look forward to hosting visitors from across the globe in Dubai at Dubai Expo 2020