Made in America Makes Sound Business Sense

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When Emirates took delivery of Boeing's 1,000th 777 aircraft this month, it represented the latest milestone in the airline's multi-billion dollar investment in America. The Boeing 777 is one of the United States' greatest exports ever and supports hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs across the U.S. in a supply chain that pumps billions into the country's economy from coast to coast. Emirates is proud to be the largest customer of the 777, and equally proud to power these aircraft through ultra-efficient GE90 engines, which are manufactured in the U.S.

Critics of the U.S. Export-Import Bank claim that loans from the bank are unfair, give a competitive advantage to foreign companies, and put American jobs at risk.

"Emirates is proud to support the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S. through our aircraft purchases," stated Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. "Any inference that we have received a competitive advantage with funding or put American jobs as risk is misleading. Just 23 out of Emirates' 103 777s have been funded through the U.S. Export-Import Bank – and none of these purchases has cost the American taxpayer a single cent. The U.S. government has earned over $92 million in fees since 2005.

"Emirates believes in open competition. The U.S. Export-Import Bank plays a vital role in maintaining exports, economic growth and jobs; and we support making this financing available to all airlines. The financing provided by the Export-Import Bank has enabled Emirates to support U.S. manufacturing throughout the economic downturn by continuing to place aircraft orders, support the U.S. economy, and creating and sustaining hundreds of thousands of jobs."

Emirates' backlog of 777 orders will support the U.S. aerospace industry for many years. The airline's most recent order for an additional 50 Boeing 777-300ERs and options for 20 more worth a total of $26 billion at list price, together with the supply of American-made GE90 engines, will sustain over 100,000 skilled American jobs, when applying U.S. government job creation estimates for U.S. built aviation exports. According to Boeing, Emirates' airplane-backlog represents more than one year (13.3 months) of 777 production, based on Boeing's current production rate of seven aircraft per month.

Picking up the keys for the 1,000th manufactured 777 which will go into Emirates fleet this month, thousands of Boeing workers turned out to bid farewell to their pride and joy. As the airline prepares to launch its seventh U.S. gateway to Washington Dulles International Airport in September, Emirates remains more committed than ever to strengthening its relationships with American partners and to supporting U.S. industry and U.S jobs.

About Emirates

Emirates currently serves 122 cities around the globe with a young and technologically advanced fleet of 170 wide-bodied aircraft that are equipped with industry-leading comforts in the air.

Renowned for its excellence in service and innovation, both on board and on the ground, Emirates holds an impressive array of prestigious awards, most recently including Air Transport World's 2011 "Airline of the Year" award and Frommer's selection of the Emirates Lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport as one of the 2011 "Top Airport Lounges in North America."

Media Contact:

Marvin Singleton
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Tel: (214) 686-0259
[email protected]

SOURCE Emirates Airline