Emirates Airlines marked a significant step in its expansion with the launch of its first Travel Store in Karachi, reinforcing its commitment to the Pakistani market.
During the store’s opening ceremony, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations (West Asia and Indian Ocean), expressed confidence in the competitive landscape. “We never shy away from competition,” Ahmad said, adding that the operations of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Europe would benefit other carriers and provide more travel options for customers.
The event was attended by key figures, including Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, UAE’s Ambassador to Pakistan, and Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi, UAE’s Consul General in Karachi.
When asked about the potential privatization of PIA, Ahmad reiterated Emirates’ focus on internal growth, citing the airline’s recent $2 billion investment in retrofitting its fleet. He dismissed any speculation about acquiring stakes in other airlines, stating, “We are concentrating on our own operations.”
The new Travel Store is designed to enhance customer service, offering interactive features like self-service kiosks and a “selfie mirror” that lets customers take photos against various Emirates destination backdrops. It also provides personalized assistance for booking trips, managing travel plans, and purchasing exclusive Emirates merchandise.
Addressing environmental concerns, Ahmad highlighted Emirates’ sustainability initiatives. These include the deployment of fuel-efficient Boeing 777x and A350 aircraft, as well as a 9000MW solar plant at its engineering facility, which offsets 4 million kilograms of carbon emissions. The airline has also committed $200 million to developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and successfully tested both an A380 and a Boeing 777 using 100% SAF.
Karachi holds historical significance for Emirates, as it was one of the airline’s first destinations when operations began in 1985. Today, Emirates serves Pakistan through five gateways, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the country.
Ahmad also emphasized Pakistan’s growing economic potential, particularly in tourism and cargo. He noted that cargo operations play a crucial role in driving investment, citing the importance of aircraft with strong belly capacity for manufacturers needing timely deliveries.
The Travel Store will also serve as a center for Emirates Holidays bookings and Emirates Skywards loyalty program inquiries, with expert travel consultants available to assist customers.
This expansion marks another milestone in Emirates’ four-decade presence in Pakistan, strengthening its position as a leader in the country’s aviation sector while setting new standards for customer engagement and service.
Related topics:
- QuikTrip Opens First Nevada Location in Las Vegas Market
- Thailand’s Community-Based Tourism Market Set for Significant Growth by 2034
- KKday Secures $70 Million to Enhance Market Position and Innovate Travel
