Emirates airline introduces new fares

For economy and business class, the airline describes its new fare as ‘the most affordable’.

Dubai — Emirates airline introduces new fares from Sunday and it will be available in most markets, the Dubai-based airline said in an email to its Skywards members recently.

For economy and business class, the airline describes its new fare as ‘the most affordable’. The new fares are: Economy class — Special, Saver, Flex and Flex Plus; Business class — Special, Saver, Flex and Flex Plus; and First class — Flex and Flex Plus.

Last year, Emirates carried more than 45 million passengers, operated 3,516 flights per week on average and total passenger flights reached 191,736. The airline serves 147 destinations in 84 countries.

“Some exciting changes are on the way this February. We will unveil a new range of fares, based on feedback from our members. You’ll have more choice and flexibility with the type of ticket you buy and more ways to maximise the miles you earn when you fly with us,” the e-mail said.

The number of tier miles passengers earn will continue to match the Skywards Miles earned; so, the increased flexibility means that passengers can reach the next tier more quickly or retain the current one. Tier bonuses of 25 per cent for Silver, 50 per cent for Gold and 75 per cent for Platinum members remain unchanged, according to the email.

“Our enhanced online booking experience will clearly show the benefits and value of each fare type. So whether you want the best price or the greatest flexibility, you can choose a fare that fits your individual needs,” it added.

The email does not indicate any reduction in fares but Sir Tim Clark, the airline’s president, had disclosed at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the airline was reviewing its fare structure as a result of the decline in energy prices.

“The oil price fall has given us the opportunity to review our whole pricing structure. We initiated the review last November as oil prices were falling,” he told media.

Giving the example of US airlines, he said some carriers are making money for the first time in a decade so it’s hard for them to drop prices immediately.

The International Air Transport Association, the apex body of airlines, expects consumers to benefit from lower oil prices in 2015. The aviation body predicts airfares will drop by an average of 5.1 per cent compared with 2014.

It is estimated that the global airline industry is expected to report around $5 billion increase in profits this year to $25 billion, benefiting from cheaper fuel after crude oil prices slumped 60 per cent since June last year.