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Emirates offers ICE digital wide-screen in-flight entertainment. // © Emirates 2010 |
Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline that currently serves more than 102 cities around the world with its fleet of 141 aircraft, recently appointed Charles Schuler as its sales manager for the Northwest U.S. With more than 18 years of leadership experience in the airline and travel industry — from business development and planning to sales and marketing — Schuler is a vital addition to Emirates’ new San Francisco office, which aims to further the company’s success, especially in the Pacific Northwest region.
Emirates’ commitment to the voice of the customer has made it one of the fastest-growing carriers around the globe. Recently, Business Traveler Magazine’s Middle East Awards rated Emirates as Best Airline, Best Regional Airline, Best First Class and Best Frequent Flyer Program. Emirates has also been recognized on the Boston Consulting Group’s exclusive Global Challenger list and Fast Company Magazine’s 50 Most Innovative list.
Why is the Pacific Northwest region a particularly marketable area for Emirates?
Emirates’ daily, nonstop service from San Francisco to Dubai provides an incredible opportunity to create and expand the cultural and business relationships between the Pacific Northwest, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India and all of our other global destinations.
There is a tremendous interest in Dubai, as well as those destinations throughout the entire Emirates’ network. Whether you do business in any of the ten cities we serve in India, or dream of lounging on an exotic tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, or want to go on a photo safari in Kenya or South Africa, Emirates can get you there in just one stop from San Francisco.
How do you plan to use your new role at Emirates to work with travel agents in the Pacific Northwest region and help boost sales? As of now, does Emirates offer any special packages or deals for passengers traveling through the West Coast?
Having a stronger sales presence in the area will allow us to spend more time working with the travel agent community. We’re here to help you understand Emirates' products, services, destinations and, most of all, to help your business. Agents are a vital part to Emirates’ success, which is one of the reasons we offer 4 percent commission.
With more than 108 cities in our network, something exciting is bound to inspire promotions and special offers. At the moment, we are running special packages to South Africa for customers to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. We regularly run special promotions, for which you can sign up at Emirates.com to receive e-mail notifications.
How is Emirates’ promotion of value and savings distinct from other airlines?
Emirates is known for our exceptional service and world-class product. For customers traveling in our private first-class suite or in our award-winning business class, Emirates provides a complimentary chauffer-driven transfer on both ends of the journey. For customers traveling economy class, we offer complementary drinks, excellent food and our award-winning interactive in-flight entertainment (ICE) system.
What features of Emirates has made it one of the world’s fastest-growing carriers?
Emirates has consistently provided innovative and industry-leading offerings. Customers want clean, modern, fuel efficient aircraft, which is why we’re the largest single operator of the Boeing 777 and were the first to purchase the Airbus 380. Customers want technological advancements, which is why we installed our ICE in-flight system. Customers want choice, which is why our schedule continues to grow. All of these things are reasons, but what really supports Emirates’ growth is our ability to constantly deliver on these expectations.
How has Emirates invested in the in-flight entertainment system and other amenities on its planes?
ICE digital wide-screen is the ultimate in-flight entertainment experience. With more than 1,200 channels of on-demand movies, television, music and games, our customers will not be bored. Plus, the ability to phone, send SMS and e-mail onboard means that they can stay connected. In fact, Emirates won the 2009 Skytrax Airline Excellence Awards for Best In-Flight Entertainment.
What steps has Emirates taken to make its planes more efficient and eco-friendly?
Emirates operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, and a young fleet means a more fuel-efficient company. Emirates was the first airline to place an order for the A380, a twin-deck, super fuel-efficient aircraft, which we now operate to 10 destinations around the globe. In fact, our emissions are lower than that of our competitors. Emirates’ fleet has an average fuel-burn of about 1 gallon for every 62 passenger miles that we fly — better than most small cars.
What is your opinion of the volcano crisis that has affected Europe recently? How has Emirates adjusted to the emergency?
Safety is our number-one priority. The entire Emirates team pulled together to ensure that our passengers, crew and planes were kept safely away from the effects of the eruption. Once the skies were opened, flights resumed as quickly as possible, with extra sections added so that passengers could be back in the air.
Finally, is there anything else about Emirates that you would to share with our readers?
Emirates has been serving San Francisco since December 2008, providing the best service to the UAE and beyond from the Pacific Northwest. Placing a sales office in San Francisco shows our commitment to the route and the region. I look forward to years of future growth.
Emirates
www.emirates.com/usa
