Any decision on a potential IPO of Dubai’s Emirates Airline will remain with the government, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, told Arabian Business on Tuesday.
“My answer is always the same – for an Emirates IPO, the government will always make the decision for us,” Sheikh Ahmed said, adding that it is wonderful that the UAE has made the decision to sell stakes in 10 state-owned entities.
Sheikh Ahmed’s comments came on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow.
When asked what would be his airline of choice if not Emirates, Sheikh Ahmed quipped: “I don’t think Emirates and flydubai will not give me a chance to think about any other airline.”
Competition from Saudi Arabia is ‘healthy’
Sheikh Ahmed also said that the competition from Saudi Arabia is “healthy.”
“I always said that the Gulf market can take any number of airlines,” he said, adding that introducing another airline to Saudi Arabia will help boost this market.
“However, it all depends on how we run the business to retain ourselves in the market,” he added.
Emirates dismisses stake acquisition speculations in International carriers
Moreover, he quashed speculations regarding potential stake acquisitions in other international carriers.
“We are focused on growing our business here and we are continuing to do that,” Sheikh Ahmed said praising aircraft leasing company DAE for its acquisitions in recent years.
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