Emirates, the ‘defending champion’ of the Best Airline Based in the Middle East/ Indian Sub-Continent from the Official Airline Guide (OAG) won the award again this year, staving off competition from other airlines based in the region. Les Higgins, OAG Chief Executive, presented the award to Vic Sheppard, Emirates’ Vice President UK and Ireland, at the glittering 22nd OAG Airline of the Year 2004 awards held last week at The Park Lane Hotel, London.

Maurice Flanagan, Emirates’ Vice Chairman and Group President said: “I’m delighted with this accolade from world travellers polled by OAG. We know we have a great airline and it’s gratifying to see it recognised in this manner. It is also a wonderful reward for our investments in innovative products, services and facilities.”

Since Emirates was launched in 1985 it has received more than 250 international awards from customers recognising the quality of its services.

It now serves 76 cities in 54 countries in Europe, North America (cargo only to 1st June), Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Asia-Pacific.  This year it has launched seven new routes, including Lagos, Nigeria; Accra, Ghana; Glasgow, Scotland; Shanghai, China; and Vienna, Austria.

Dubai-New York services start from 1st June, while Christchurch, New Zealand joins the network from 1st July.

Senior figures from the aviation and travel industries attended the event. Votes were polled from a worldwide audience of mostly business travellers who subscribe to OAG print and electronic products. The votes were collected, processed and analysed by an independent research company. 
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