Emirates could expand Glasgow services after record year
Emirates said it flew a record 410,000 passengers between Dubai and Glasgow last year as the airline underlined its commitment to its Scottish base.
Emirates said it flew a record 410,000 passengers between Dubai and Glasgow last year as the airline underlined its commitment to its Scottish base.
The company said it would likely expand its services to and from Glasgow in the future as it experienced "ever-growing" demand.
The 410,000 passengers in the year to March 2016 represents a more than four-fold increase in numbers since Emirates began operating out of the city in 2004.
During that time the airline has carried a total of 3.3 million people between Dubai and Glasgow, with Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore the most popular onward destinations.
About 60,000 tonnes of cargo, including seafood and prestige whisky brands, have been exported from Glasgow over the 12 years.
UK vice president Laurie Berryman said it was a question of "when, not if" the airline expands its Scottish service in the future, either by introducing a third daily flight or the higher capacity A380 aircraft.
He said: "We're seeing very impressive passenger figures on the route as the demand by Glaswegians to travel to Dubai and beyond remains robust.
"We've had an extremely positive 12 years, and from all our data it seems we're on track for another successful 12, working with local people and companies to help them travel to and do business with the east."
Infrastructure changes including a key second airbridge would be necessary at Glasgow if the Airbus A380, which can carry more than 500 passengers, were to operate from the hub, Mr Berryman said.
He also said Emirates would like to see a cut in air passenger duty, as being considered by Scottish ministers, across the whole of the UK and not just in Scotland.