Emirates contributes $21 billion, 104,000 jobs to US economy

Emirates supported more than 104,000 American jobs and contributed $21.3 billion in revenue to the US economy, including $10.5 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and $6.4 billion of labour income in 2015, according to a study conducted by Campbell-Hill Aviation Group.

Released on the 25th anniversary of the first Open Skies agreement signed by the US, the objective of the study was to quantify the annual economic impact Emirates has on the US economy.  

“Campbell-Hill’s data reaffirms the significant stimulative effect of Emirates’ operations on the US economy. It shows we’ve brought hundreds of thousands of new travellers to the United States, helped increase competitive air transport options for over a million American and international travellers who flew with us, and contributed to increased demand for US exports in aerospace and many other sectors,” Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates, said.

He said Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and their proxies continually pour money to lobby and make unfounded accusations against Emirates, but they have never filed a formal US Department of Transportation complaint against Emirates, even though this is the statutory process long relied on by US airlines to address allegations of unfair competition.

“That itself is telling. Sitting on record profits and with employment in US aviation at an all-time high, the three carriers know they don’t have a leg to stand on. Evidence repeatedly points to the benefits that Emirates bring to US consumers and the economy, and the total absence of alleged competitive harm.”

The catalytic impact of Emirates’ US operations brought over 580,000 new travellers to the US who otherwise would not have travelled there, and generated $3.2 billion of new trade-based revenue. Indirect spending within the US by newly stimulated passengers combined with new merchandise and service trade created approximately 30,000 jobs, and $4.6 billion of new revenues for US businesses, including $1.7 billion of labour income and $2.5 billion of GDP.

“It is also important to note that the more than 100,000 jobs Emirates supports in the US produce widespread benefits across diverse sectors of our economy from professional services, to manufacturing, to education and to hospitality,” said Dr Brian Campbell, principal at Campbell-Hill Aviation Group.

Emirates purchases more Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft than any other company in the world. In 2015 alone, Emirates received delivery of 11 brand new Boeing 777-300ERs and one Boeing 777-200LRF. These purchases in 2015 generated approximately $1.5 billion of direct revenue to the US aircraft manufacturing sector, supported approximately 1,700 direct jobs, $230 million in labour income and contributed $445 million to US GDP.

Emirates has 163 Boeing 777 aircraft in its fleet and another 171 on order. These aircraft are largely powered by GE engines and serviced by GE Aviation. Emirates’ Airbus A380 fleet, the largest in the world, is also primarily equipped with US-manufactured Engine Alliance engines and associated components.

— business@khaleejtimes.com