Emirates Group reported last week they have achieved annual profits of Dh1.48 billion (US D406 million). Emirates airline and associated companies realized profits even as its toughest competitors recorded losses.  British Airways, for example, lost Dh 2.35 billion (£ 401 million) compared with a £922 million profit the year before. Emirates Airlines earned Dh982 million and its sister company, which handles ticketing, DNATA, earned Dh507 million.

The usual contributing factors do not sufficiently explain how Emirates achieved profits this year while others did not.   The usual factors include passengers carried, load factors, yields, and fuel bills.  Other factors such as hotel occupancy rates, baggage handling fees, and consumption rates on coffee and alcohol also help explain Emirates Group success.