Dubai's Emirates becomes world’s most profitable airline

Dubai-based airline Emirates has recorded the biggest profit in its 40-year history to become the world’s most profitable carrier. 

Its profit before tax for the year ending March 31, 2025, rose 20% to reach $ 5.8 billion (21.2 billion Emirati dirhams). 

Revenues surged 6% over the previous year to $34.9 billion (127.9 billion), while cash assets grew 16% year-on-year to reach its highest ever figure of $13.5 billion. 

The airline carried 53.7 million passengers in 2024-25, with its seat capacity up by 4%, as it served 148 cities in 80 countries and territories as of March 31.

Its partnerships grew to 33 codeshare and 118 interline agreements, connecting to 1,750 cities beyond its network.  

Emirates Group, the state-owned aviation conglomerate which includes Emirates airline and airport services provider dnata, achieved its highest ever profit in 2024-25, becoming the most profitable aviation group globally.

Its net profit for the year ending March 31, 2025, rose 18% year-on year to reach $6.2 billion. Profit after tax, including the 9% corporate tax enacted in 2023, reached $5.6 billion.

Revenues surged 6% over last year to $39.6 billion, while cash assets were up 13% to reach $14.6 billion (53.4 billion Emirati dirhams). 

dnata recorded profit before tax of $430 million for the financial year 2024-25, with revenues reaching $5.8 billion. 

“Dubai’s aviation sector has become an influential force on the global stage,” said Emirates Group chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. 

“We don’t cut corners, and we don’t take shortcuts that put our future at risk for short term gains. By building our business models around these principles and Dubai’s unique strengths, the Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geo-political and socio-economic challenges over the years.”

The group invested $3.8 billion in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and technologies to support its growth plans. Its workforce grew 9% to employ 121,223 individuals. 

Emirates’ order book had 314 aircraft pending delivery as of March 31, including 61 A350s, 205 Boeing 777x, 35 787s, and 13 777Fs. The first Airbus A350 aircraft joined the fleet this year, increasing to four by end of the first quarter. Total fleet at the end of March stood at 260 units. 

“We enter the year ahead with excitement and optimism. While some markets are jittery about trade and travel restrictions, volatility is not new in our industry. We simply adapt and navigate around these challenges,” said Sheikh Ahmed. 

“Emirates will strengthen our network connectivity with the expected delivery of 16 A350s and 4 Boeing 777 freighters in 2025-26.”