Emirates Airline’s founding CEO Sir Maurice Flanagan has passed away at his home in London, at the age of 86.
British-born Flanagan, who launched the Dubai-based airline with $10 million in 1985, retired two years ago.
He was a key architect in the phenomenal growth of Emirates Arline and Group, having overseen dnata’s operations and subsequently every stage in Emirates’ remarkable rise from regional carrier with two aircraft to global giant with a fleet of more than 170 aircraft.
Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, described Flanagan as a legend in the aviation industry.
“The Emirates Group, and Dubai, has lost a great friend today. Maurice was a man of great character, and a legend in the aviation industry. He was generous with his time, forthright in his views, and a person who gave 110 percent to everything he did.
“It was a great personal pleasure and privilege to have worked with him. On behalf of all Emirates Group staff, I express our condolences to his wife Audrey, his son Julian, and his daughters Siobhan and Claire. His contributions to dnata, Emirates, and Dubai, will always be remembered.”
Sir Maurice first arrived in Dubai in 1978 when he was appointed director and general manager of dnata. Six years later he led the 10-man team which hatched the plan to launch an airline in five months on a budget of just $10 million, with no protection against competition in Emirates’ home market, and no subsidy of any kind.
He was the managing director for the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985 and his pivotal role in the company’s development was recognised in 1990 when he was appointed group managing director of Emirates Group. He became vice chairman and group president in July 2003 and was promoted to his executive vice chairman position in 2006.
He started his career in 1953 with BOAC, the forerunner of British Airways, as a graduate trainee after serving in the Royal Air Force as a navigation officer. He ascended through a variety of overseas posts and returned to the UK in 1965 as a route planning manager.
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