Emirates, the world's third-largest airline by scheduled revenue passenger-kilometers flown and number of international passengers carried was founded in 1985by the royal family of Dubai. The airline's first flight was from Dubai to Karachi, Pakistan in October of that year. Its first aircraft were provided by Pakistan International. The airline grew rapidly through partnerships and investment to become one of the world's leading air carriers.

Emirates operates a fleet of 255 passenger aircraft and 11 cargo aircraft operated by Emirates Sky Cargo. Emirates operates the largest fleet of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft in the world, with one A319 as an executive jet.

Emirates operates to 161 destinations in 85 countries across six continents from its hub in Dubai. It has a particularly strong presence in the South and Southeast Asian region, which together connect Dubai with more international destinations in the region than any other Middle Eastern airline.