Emirates Group Posts Record Half-Year Profit of $3.3 Billion, Marks Fourth Straight Year of Growth

The Emirates Group has announced another record-breaking performance for the first half of the 2025–26 financial year, underscoring the continued strength of its operations and sustained global travel demand.

The Dubai-based aviation powerhouse according to the High Street Business, reported a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion ($3.3 billion) for the six months ending September 30, 2025 — the fourth consecutive year of record half-year profitability.

After accounting for taxes, the Group’s net profit stood at AED 10.6 billion ($2.9 billion), representing a 13% increase from the same period last year.

Group revenue rose 4% year-on-year to AED 75.4 billion ($20.6 billion), while EBITDA reached AED 21.1 billion ($5.7 billion) — maintaining a strong 3% growth from last year’s figures.

The Group also reported a record cash position of AED 56 billion ($15.2 billion), up from AED 53.4 billion in March 2025, strengthening its ability to fund new aircraft deliveries, support ongoing operations, and pay down existing debt.

“The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. “This success reflects unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services.”

Strong Financials Fuel Expansion

Sheikh Ahmed noted that Emirates’ performance reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for travel and commerce, adding that the airline’s sustained profitability enables continued investment in fleet expansion, service innovation, and workforce growth.

The Emirates Group’s employee base grew 3% to 124,927 as reported by Accra Street Journal as both Emirates and dnata continued recruitment drives to meet expanding operational demands.

“Global demand for air transport and travel services remains strong despite geopolitical events and economic challenges,” Sheikh Ahmed added. “We expect this resilience to continue as new A350 aircraft join our fleet and dnata expands capacity worldwide.”

Emirates Airline: Global Expansion and Premium Growth

The flagship airline, Emirates, achieved record profitability for the period, reporting a profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion ($3.1 billion) and a net profit of AED 9.9 billion ($2.7 billion) — a 13% year-on-year increase.

Revenue, including other income, reached AED 65.6 billion ($17.9 billion), driven by persistent global travel appetite and demand for Emirates’ premium cabins and superior onboard experiences.

During the six-month period, Emirates:

• Launched new flight routes to Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, bringing its network to 153 airports in 81 countries.

• Increased flight frequencies to key destinations such as Johannesburg, Riyadh, Rome, Muscat, and Taipei.

• Formed new codeshare partnerships with Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny.

• Received five new Airbus A350s, expanding Business Class and Premium Economy capacity.

• Refitted 23 aircraft as part of its $5 billion cabin retrofit programme, offering enhanced passenger comfort.

Passenger traffic grew 4% to 27.8 million travellers, with a seat factor of 79.5%, while cargo operations saw a 4% increase, transporting 1.25 million tonnes despite softening yields.

Innovation, Sustainability, and Brand Power

Emirates continued to invest heavily in sustainability and brand visibility throughout 2025.

The airline:

• Uplifted Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at 37 airports globally.

• Joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC) to promote recycling and decarbonisation in aviation.

• Opened luxury check-in suites for First Class and Platinum customers at Dubai International Airport.

• Launched concept travel stores in Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.

Emirates also expanded its sports Partnerships, becoming Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munich, Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid Basketball, and Premium Partner of European Professional Club Rugby.

The airline renewed its ATP Tour sponsorship until 2030 and Olympique Lyonnais shirt deal for another five years, reinforcing its global brand footprint.

dnata Delivers Strong Growth Across Divisions

The Emirates Group’s ground handling and catering arm, dnata, continued its strong performance, expanding contracts across cargo, catering, and travel services.

In 2025, dnata announced a $110 million investment to deploy 800 new ground support equipment units, boosting operational efficiency and reducing emissions across its global network.

The division also recorded double-digit revenue growth in catering and retail services, highlighting dnata’s ability to meet the evolving needs of international airlines with high-quality, sustainable service delivery.

Outlook: Momentum to Continue

With record profits, expanding capacity, and continued global travel recovery, Emirates is well-positioned for the remainder of the 2025–26 financial year.

The airline expects to benefit from the entry of new A350s, enhanced digital operations, and a growing global tourism rebound, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

“Our strong profitability enables us to continue making investments that scale our business in tandem with Dubai’s growth as a global city of choice for talent, tourism, and enterprise,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Source: Accra Business News