European Commission Commends Emirates’ Websites

The European Commission’s Director General for ‘Health and Consumers’ (DG SANCO), has confirmed that Emirates airline’s websites are fully compliant with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation, and it further commended the airline for its commitment to consumer transparency.

In a statement, Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said: "I am delighted to confirm that contrary to some earlier reported indications, Emirates airline is fully in compliance with all the requirements laid down in EU consumer legislation that were monitored in the recent ’health check’ in relation to air ticket selling websites and therefore belongs to those companies that can serve as an example to be followed by others. I commend Emirates airline as a non-EU carrier for the observance of Community law and for the commitment to maintain these standards and to consumer protection in general demonstrated at a meeting held in Brussels on 17 June".

DG SANCO’s ‘health check’ investigation and report on airline websites published in May listed Emirates as being non-compliant. Subsequent discussions between the airline and DG SANCO confirmed that this was inaccurate.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “We have had a number of open and productive conversations with DG SANCO over the past weeks. Although we were disappointed with how the original investigations were conducted, we are pleased that this is now resolved, and that consumers can be absolutely satisfied that Emirates’ websites not only fully comply with EU regulations, but also demonstrate leadership in terms of transparency and inclusive pricing.

“As a responsible global airline, our commercial operations are guided by fair business practices and transparency for our customers. All Emirates’ fares include taxes and surcharges and no service fees apply when bookings are made and paid for online. We also provide a breakdown of the fare components both online and with Global Distribution Systems (GDS).”

Mr Vaughan added: "Emirates wants to see high, universal standards across our industry to ensure a level playing field for those airlines, like Emirates, who adhere to transparency and the highest possible standards versus some who continue to practice more opaque pricing and other less consumer-friendly techniques".

Emirates Increases Support Of Cricket And India

Emirates, the Dubai-based global airline, strengthened its commitment to the cricket world and to India on Saturday; by becoming the Main Sponsor of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team.

The Kings XI Punjab is one of the eight competing cricket franchisees of the Indian Premier League, based in Mohali, representing a huge catchment area of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.

Owned by actress Preity Zinta and businessmen Ness Wadia, Karan Paul and Mohit Burman, the Kings XI Punjab is captained by cricket sensation Yuvraj Singh and coached by former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody.

The squad line-up includes a number of legendary players such as Brett Lee, one of the world’s fastest bowlers, Sri Lankan pair Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, wicket keeper James Hopes and Durban-based Yusuf Abdulla.

Kings XI Punjab’s first match is against the Delhi Daredevils in Cape Town on 19th April.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates is a great supporter of global sporting events, and we are very excited to announce our partnership with the Kings XI Punjab team.

“With cricket being the number one sport in India, it was only natural for us to form a partnership with one of the leading teams in the Indian Premier League; a tournament that invokes such passion amongst the cricket fans all around the world.

“This three-year sponsorship commitment will allow Emirates to become closer to our customer base in one of the most important regions on our network.”

Preity Zinta, joint owner of the Kings XI Punjab, said: “I would like to thank Emirates for its long-term partnership with the Kings XI Punjab. Emirates is well known for its support of India and also cricket on a global scale.”

The IPL is the first of three significant sporting events taking place in South Africa over the next 18 months that Emirates is involved in; the other two being the FIFA Confederations Cup in June and next year’s FIFA World Cup™.

In addition to the title sponsorship of the Kings XI Punjab, Emirates is also an Official Partner of the ICC and sponsor of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Referees.

As an airline, Emirates links 10 destinations across India with the rest of the world via to Dubai, and serves South Africa with a triple daily to Johannesburg and a daily flight to Cape Town. From 1st October, Emirates will begin daily flights to Durban.