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 had many valuable contacts with trade and airport partners. And I have encountered a very welcoming atmosphere and a very strong team here, whether in the areas of trade, corporates or cargo. This has made my start easier and simpler. The Swiss travel market is very structured and clear, and the trade partners are open to ideas and suggestions.
We can see an Emirates A380 over at the airport, which will soon be taking off. How important is the aircraft type?
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. And people specifically book flights on the A380. Unlike other airlines that no longer believe in this type of aircraft, we are sticking with it. And we are continuously working on 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.
«We are seeing that previous Economy passengers are now choosing Premium Economy.»
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-7, 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?
The fact that we are introducing our latest product in Switzerland is a statement from us: Switzerland is a very interesting 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, so we have a long history behind us since 1992 to get to where we are now.
Are further innovations on the horizon?
We are constantly developing, reviewing emerging trends – for example, the integration of the A350 aircraft type, improved entertainment and an elegant 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?
Look, in the airline industry we are constantly facing many challenges, whether conflicts, other difficulties, the pandemic, it 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.
«We are opening a new retail office in Geneva.»
A few days ago, the ‘Emirates Passenger Conference 2024’ took place in Dubai. Were you there too?
Yes.
What strategic visions were expressed there?
The title of the conference was ‘Next Era’. It was about our plans for the next 20 or 30 years. We have to proceed strategically here, especially since a new airport is being built in Dubai called ‘Dubai World Central’. Our move to the new airport will certainly be a future focus, while at the same time we will be considering new aircraft 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 take place in four phases. The plan is to double the size of the current Dubai Airport. These steps are linked to the ‘D33’ strategy, the city’s overall strategy. By the end of the next decade, the D33 plan aims to add 400 cities to the 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. And for the trade, we are planning numerous events and webinars, communicating with our partners and listening to their wishes is very important to us.
And what has your career been like so far? Have you always wanted to work for an airline?
I started in a service area for the Dubai government. After graduating, I wanted to join a global company. And with Emirates, a local company with a global outlook presented itself. After surviving the tough selection process, I was 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 market. And the country is beautiful; I am looking forward to getting to know the regions even better, including when we visit our partners throughout Switzerland.