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Launched on 25th October 1985, Emirates is the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Dubai. Initially flying with two leased aircraft – a Boeing 737 and an Airbus 300 B4 – Emirates has evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism conglomerate in just a few short years. Wholly owned by the Government of Dubai, the airline has had to develop and expand in order to stay ahead of the competition, made all the more fierce by Dubai’s continuing open skies policy – a policy wholly supported by the airline. Financially independent and thriving, Emirates is not subsidised in any way by its owners, other than initial assistance with start up costs. The airline has recorded a profit in every year except its second year of operation.

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