«Switzerland is a very attractive market for Emirates»

Mr Lootah, you have been the head of Emirates Switzerland for almost 100 days. How well do you already know the Swiss travel market?

Mohammad Lootah: I have already made many valuable contacts with trade and airport partners. I’ve experienced a very welcoming atmosphere and a strong team here, whether in trade, corporate, or cargo sectors. This has made my transition much smoother and easier. The Swiss travel market is very structured and clear, and the trade partners are open to ideas and suggestions.

From here we see an Emirates A380 preparing for takeoff at the airport—how significant is this aircraft type for the airline??

The A380 is our flagship product. Whenever people here think of the A380, they think of Emirates. With 116 aircraft, we have the largest A380 fleet. Passengers specifically choose to book flights on the A380. Unlike other airlines that have moved away from this aircraft type, we remain committed to it and are continuously enhancing its quality.

How is the Emirates flight schedule currently presented in Switzerland?

In the early afternoon, we fly from Zurich to Dubai with an Airbus A380; in the evening, with a Boeing 777. From Geneva, both flights are operated with a Triple 7.

How well received is the new Premium Economy on the Triple 7 flights?

We are very pleased with the bookings. We initially launched Premium Economy for flights from Geneva, and now, on 1 October, it will also be available on flights from Zurich. Demand is good, and passengers are looking forward to the new class.

Aren't you concerned that existing Business Class passengers will migrate to Premium Economy?

No, quite the opposite. We are actually seeing that existing Economy passengers are now choosing Premium Economy, which makes us happy.

What about the resumption of a second A380 in Zurich?

Until a few months ago, we had two A380s here. With the implementation of the new Premium Economy and Business Class, initially in the Triple Seven, we now have one flight a day with the 777 here in Zurich – with four classes: First, the new Business Class, the new Premium Economy and the upgraded Economy. This gives our passengers good options.

When will the A380s be equipped with the new cabins?

Some aircraft have already been converted, but not the one to Zurich.

How do you assess the current development of Emirates in Switzerland?

Introducing our latest product in Switzerland makes a clear statement: Switzerland is a highly valuable market for Emirates. For us, Switzerland is a very good test market to see whether the new product is well received and whether adjustments are needed. For us, Switzerland is a premium market with affluent customers. We have been in Switzerland for over 30 years, building a strong history since 1992 to reach where we are today.

Are further innovations on the horizon?

We are continuously evolving, incorporating emerging trends such as the integration of the A350 aircraft, enhanced entertainment systems, and sophisticated interior design. Emirates is not just looking at the coming year, but at the next 10 or 20 years.

The conflict in the Middle East has intensified – how is Emirates affected?

In the airline industry, we continually face numerous challenges—whether conflicts, operational difficulties, or the pandemic. The landscape changes every year. For us, safety comes first. If we have to change the route or frequency of flights for safety reasons, we do it. Every industry has its challenges.

What other challenges have you faced since you started?

My team has made a lot of things easier for me. The challenge is to fill 28 flights a week, or 1,500 seats a day, from Switzerland. To achieve this goal, we have to stay focused every day and find ways to make it happen.

Was it difficult to keep the load factor high in September?

September is a challenge for all airlines, so we have to find solutions. While the leisure travel season tends to be at its lowest at that time, there are opportunities in other segments, such as business travel. This interplay changes every month. In October, we will see a peak in holiday travel again. The passenger mix changes constantly throughout the year. We plan well in advance for this.

What strategic visions were expressed at the ‘Emirates Passenger Conference 2024’ that was recently held in Dubai?

The conference, titled ‘Next Era,’ focused on our plans for the next 20 to 30 years. We need to move forward strategically, especially with the construction of the new ‘Dubai World Central’ airport in Dubai. Our move to the new airport will certainly be a future focus, while at the same time we will be considering new aircrafts and new products.

What will the new airport be like?

DWC will have a total of five runways that can be used simultaneously. One runway is already available for cargo flights. The expansion will occur in four phases, aiming to double the size of the current Dubai Airport. These steps are aligned with the ‘D33’ strategy, part of the city's broader plan. By the end of the next decade, the D33 initiative seeks to add 400 cities to its list of key trading partners.

What are your plans for Switzerland in 2025?

We are opening a new retail office in Geneva. We will also be promoting the Premium Economy class even more and increasing our involvement in the Swiss travel market. We don't see ourselves as a foreign airline, but as one that has been here since 1992 and is part of the Swiss community. For the trade, we are planning numerous events and webinars. Communicating with our partners and listening to their needs is very important to us.

And what has your career been like so far? Have you always wanted to work for an airline?

I had always aspired to work in a global company. However, after graduating, I began my career in a service role for the Dubai government. Later, with Emirates, a local company with a global outlook presented itself. After successfully navigating the rigorous selection process, my journey took off. Since then I have had assignments in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Tel Aviv. And now I am delighted to be here in Switzerland and to be working in this dynamic market. And the country is truly beautiful, and I’m eager to explore its regions more deeply, especially as we visit our partners throughout Switzerland.