The Emirates Group, encompassing Emirates airline and dnata, has reported a record-breaking pre-tax profit of Dh22.7 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2025 — an 18% increase over the previous year. With this milestone, the Dubai-based conglomerate has positioned itself as the world’s most profitable aviation group in the 2024–25 reporting period.
“No accident,” says Sheikh Ahmed
Commenting on the stellar performance, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, emphasized the Group’s resilience amid global challenges.
“We don’t cut corners, and we don’t take shortcuts that put our future at risk for short term gains,” Sheikh Ahmed stated.
“For 2024–25, the Emirates Group has raised the bar to set new records for profit, revenue, and cash assets.”
The Group reported record revenue of Dh145.4 billion, a 6% increase year-on-year. It also posted its highest-ever EBITDA at Dh42.2 billion and cash assets of Dh53.4 billion, up 13% from the previous year. A Dh6.0 billion dividend has been declared to the Group’s owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai. After applying the new 9% UAE corporate tax, profit after tax stands at Dh20.5 billion.
Emirates Airline Breaks Records
Emirates airline led the surge, achieving a record profit before tax of Dh21.2 billion, up 20% year-on-year, and a record revenue of Dh127.9 billion. The carrier also posted its highest-ever cash asset level at Dh49.7 billion. The airline carried 53.7 million passengers, a 3% increase, with a seat factor of 78.9%. Its cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo, transported 2.3 million tonnes, a 7% rise.
dnata Delivers Record Results
The Group’s ground handling and catering arm, dnata, also recorded its best-ever performance with a profit before tax of Dh1.6 billion (up 2%) and record revenue of Dh21.1 billion (up 10%), attributed to heightened global activity.
Investment and Expansion
The Emirates Group invested Dh14.0 billion in new aircraft, infrastructure, technology, and partnerships during the year. The total workforce grew by 9%, reaching an all-time high of 121,223 employees.
Sheikh Ahmed credited the Group’s agility and long-term investment strategy:
“Our ability to move quickly to meet strong demand was thanks to non-stop investments in our people, in building partnerships, and in delivering great products and services.”
As the aviation sector continues to rebound, Emirates Group’s landmark year sets a new benchmark for global aviation profitability and resilience.
