Dubai-based airline Emirates announced plans to expand its network in Africa by introducing at least 10 new routes by 2030
Tim Clark, CEO of Emirates, revealed the company’s growth plan for the next 10 years that includes investment for expansion by more than 40 per cent in Africa.
Clark said, “Emirates will continue to channel traffic through Dubai, which has already become a key gateway to the African continent.”
The carrier is seeking African destinations with oil and gas reserves that require regular transport for people and cargo, added Clark.
In a statement, Emirates mentioned that more than half a million African nationals live in Dubai while over 800,000 visit annually. By 2020, the number is expected to increase to over 1.5mn.
The Dubai-based airline currently services 22 passenger destinations in Africa with six freighters. Its investment in Africa is currently valued at around seven billion dollars with over two billion dollars spent on operations, added the statement.
