To mark the 25th anniversary of Airline Business, 25 leading airline industry executives who have helped shape the sector over the last quarter century, give their reflections on the last 25 years and the challenges for the years to come.
Emirates president Tim Clark looks back to 1985, also the year the Dubai-based carrier launched, and argues it is essential the sector maintains its momentum for the next 25 years. He writes:
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"Emirates shares a 25th birthday with Airline Business, having also launched in 1985. Over the past quarter of a century, our industry has taken great strides forward. It is essential that we maintain this momentum in the next 25 years to ensure the continued success of the airline sector and its contribution to the global economy.
Since 1985, the skies have undoubtedly become more liberalised. Many markets now have "open skies" policies, something we've always promoted in Dubai. It allows new entrants to operate, increases competition and, ultimately, consumer choice. However, crude protectionism still limits traveller choice and erects barriers to international trade in many markets. Governments need to realise that this is an unrealistic strategy in today's global marketplace. Our goal for the next 25 years should be to achieve "open skies" globally."
More on Emirates |
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- Tim Clark on how Emirates A380 orders are part of long-term strategy for measured growth
- Watch our video interview with Tim Clark from earlier this year on Emirates' strategy for countering falling yields
- Read Flight International's interview with Tim Clark from 2008.
More leader perspectives and anniversary content |
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- Read all 25 leader perspectives and messages and contributions from other senior figures
- Airline industry figures give their reflections on the last 25 years in our special video report
- Follow the ups and downs of the industry since 1985 with our interactive airline industry timeline
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Source: Airline Business
