Emirates Airline’s founding CEO and the Executive Vice-Chairman of The Emirates Group, Sir Maurice Flanagan (17 October 1928-7 May 2015) passed away at his home in London, UK, at the age of 86.
British-born Flanagan launched the Dubai-based airline with $10 million in 1985, and only retired two years ago. Sir Maurice first arrived in the Emirate of Dubai in 1978 when he was appointed director and general manager of dnata. Six years later he led the 10-men team which hatched the plan to launch an airline in five months on a budget of just $10 million, with no protection against competition in Emirates’ home market, and no subsidy of any kind.
He was the managing director for the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985 and his pivotal role in the company’s development was recognised in 1990 when he was appointed group managing director of The Emirates Group. He became vice chairman and group president in July 2003 and was promoted to his executive vice chairman position in 2006.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group expressed his condolences to Sir Maurice’s widow Audrey, his son Julian, and his daughters Siobhan and Claire.
For more information
The Emirates Group: www.theemiratesgroup.com/english/
Emirates Airline: www.emirates.com/english/
