Despite current market volatility, Emirates Group remains cautiously optimistic about its outlook, emphasizing its ability to adapt to shifting trade and travel conditions. 

The airline group made the projection as it reported a record profit of AED 22.7 billion (US$6.2 billion) for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, reflecting strong financial performance amid global uncertainty — making it the world's most profitable airline, and Emirates Group the world's most profitable aviation group during the period.

In the announcement, the carrier noted that Emirates and dnata contributed record revenues in 2024-25, as the Group expanded its operations around the world to meet voracious customer demand.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said Emirates has kept a "laser focus" on providing great products and services, and it continually invest in technology and talent to increase its competitive edge.

"We don't cut corners, and we don’t take shortcuts that put our future at risk for short-term gains. By building our business models around these principles and Dubai’s unique strengths, the Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geopolitical and socio-economic challenges over the years."

Emirates SkyCargo posts volume growth

"For 2024-25, the Emirates Group has raised the bar to set new records for profit, revenue, and cash assets. Through the year, Emirates and dnata were able to move quickly to meet the strong demand for air transport services across markets and win over customers - thanks to our non-stop investments in our people, in building partnerships, and in delivering great products and services," Sheikh Ahmed added.

In 2024-25, Emirates Group collectively invested AED 14.0 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and the latest technologies to support its growth plans.

For the period, Emirates SkyCargo carried 2.3 million tonnes of goods around the world, up 7% from the previous year, as the delivery of 2 new Boeing 777 freighters and 2 wet-leased 747 freighters unlocked capacity to serve surging demand for air transport. 

Ably navigating the ongoing challenges in global logistics, the cargo division of Emirates reported a revenue of AED 16.1 billion (US$ 4.4 billion), contributing 13% to Emirates’ total revenue. 

Cargo yield per Freight Tonne Kilometre (FTKM) increased by 10%, returning to pre-pandemic marketplace levels. 

"This strong performance reflects Emirates SkyCargo's ability to win customer preference and serve demand with its specialist logistics solutions, the power and connectivity of Emirates' global network, Dubai’s world-class intermodal logistics capabilities, and the airline's ongoing investments in digital technology, infrastructure, and tailored products," the statement said.

It noted that during the year, Emirates added Copenhagen to its freighter network and signed an MoU with Astral Aviation to expand its reach in Africa. 

Emirates Delivers, an ecommerce delivery solution, was launched in Saudi Arabia to connect local shoppers with online retailers in the US and UK. 

As part of its ongoing digitisation push, Emirates noted that its cargo division launched eQuote, a digital 'self-service' touchpoint that enables customers in 75 countries to request and manage spot quotations anytime, anywhere. 

To further position its cargo division in global trade and logistics, Emirates placed orders for 10 more Boeing 777Fs. 

Emirates SkyCargo has 13 freighters on order and expects to operate a fleet of 21 freighters by December 2026. At the end of March, Emirates' SkyCargo's total freighter fleet stood at 10 Boeing 777Fs.

Emirates to remain resilient in 2025

Meanwhile, commenting on the outlook for 2025-26, Sheikh Ahmed said: "We enter the year ahead with excitement and optimism. Our excellent financial standing enables us to continue building on and scaling up from our successful business models."

"While some markets are jittery about trade and travel restrictions, volatility is not new in our industry. We simply adapt and navigate around these challenges."

"Emirates will strengthen our network connectivity with the expected delivery of 16 A350s and 4 Boeing 777 freighters in 2025-26, providing much-needed capacity to meet customer demand."

Sheikh Ahmed noted that dnata is also on a "steady growth path" with facility investments coming to fruition in key markets, including the opening of new facilities in Amsterdam, Dubai and Erbil next year, which will significantly expand our cargo handling capacity and capabilities. 

"Work is already underway at the new Al Maktoum International airport (DWC) and broader development around Dubai South. Our planning teams are working closely with Dubai airports and other entities to design and deliver the future of aviation and the best possible travel experiences."

"We've set high targets for ourselves, but I am confident that our talented workforce and Dubai's winning formula will empower the Emirates Group to forge an even brighter future, and deliver even more value to the people, cities and communities we serve,” the Emirates Group chief added.