Emirates has come out on top again as the world’s most valuable airline brand with its brand value growing 17 per cent over last year to reach $7.7 billion, according to the 2016 Brand Finance Global 500 report.
For the fifth year running, the airline has risen up in the global ranking of the world’s top brands to be placed at #171, 47 places above the next closest airline brand.Emirates also retains its position as the most valuable brand in the Middle East. Emirates’ brand value has more than doubled since 2009, when it first appeared on the Brand Finance Global 500 report.During the year, Emirates launched six new routes, expanding its network to 150 destinations. Emirates also received 26 aircraft. Meanwhile, Emirates is expected to expand its fleet with the addition of 37 new planes worth a total of $14.5 billion, said a report.• Emirates will start its first non-stop service from Dubai to Auckland on March 1. The new daily service will be in addition to the airline’s four daily existing flights into New Zealand.