CONSOLIDATION NOT AN OPTION, SAYS EMIRATES AIRLINES

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Consolidation is not an option for
Emirates Airlines despite such a move being made by other airlines, according to
its senior vice president for commercial oeprations, East Asia and Australasia,
Richard Vaughan.

"Given the current economic crisis, there will be more consolidations in
the aviation industry, especially among the larger carriers, but Emirates is not
going on that track," he told reporters after the opening ceremony of Emirates'
new office at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Wednesday.

Vaughan said Emirates was well placed to offset the impact from the current
economic slowdown.

"We believe that we have the ability to manage the business on our own," he
said when asked on the outlook for the aviation industry next year.

Analysts had said that the global financial crisis will accelerate
consolidation in the industry and predicted that some of the airlines may
collapse.

According to Vaughan, Emirates is confident that it will continue to
sustain growth for next year as prospects for the Malaysia and Dubai
destinations remain positive.

"The combination of Dubai and Malaysia is still strong and growth continues
to be healthy," he said, adding that Malaysia is the number one destination for
either inbound or outbond tourists.

The Asia Pacific market is currently contributing 30 percent of Emirates'
total revenue.

The airline has about 122 wide-body aircraft at present and expects to take
a delivery of another 17 aircraft that it has ordered by next April and onwards.
-- BERNAMA