Emirates most valuable carrier

According to the report, the Dubai-based carrier is the most valuable airline globally with a brand value of $3.7 billion and a ‘very strong’ brand strength rating of AAA-.

Among the world’s top 500 brands in 2012, Emirates airline improved it’s ranking from 291 last year to 288 in 2012. Last year its brand value was $3.62 billion.

In airline category among the world’s top brands, Lufthansa got second position with $3.30 billion value and Singapore Airlines landed in third position with $3.22 billion valuation.

Emirates has received more than 500 global awards for excellence and reported a net profit of $1.5 billion for the 2010-11 fiscal year. It operates 170 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has orders for an additional 230-plus aircraft, worth more than $84 billion.

Total three UAE-based companies have got place among the world’s top 500 brands in 2012 announced by Brand Finance. Other two companies are Emirates Telecommunication Corporation, known as etisalat, and VTB Bank.

Etisalat a ‘very strong’ brand

The UAE’s etisalat, which has operations in 17 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has been ranked the most valuable technology brand in the Middle East with a brand value of $3.12, or Dh11.4 billion, and a ‘very strong’ brand strength rating of AA-. It is one of just three Middle Eastern companies listed and the leading telecommunications brand.

Last month, the UAE-headquartered company reported Dh32.2 billion revenues for fiscal year 2011 and profits of Dh11.6 billion before 50 per cent Federal Royalty.

Etisalat was recognised for enhancing its brand value through the introduction of innovative products and services such as its mobile healthcare and m-Commerce initiatives, which help accelerate the social and economic development of the communities it serves.

“Etisalat is a rapidly growing emerging market brand that is developing increased levels of awareness in developed markets,” commented Gautam Sen Gupta, managing director, Brand Finance Middle East. “In order to grow in new markets, etisalat has demonstrated an ability to innovate to solve local market challenges and it actively takes a position of leadership in its sector,” Gupta added.

The Brand Finance Global 500 report shows that brand values in emerging markets, especially those in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, are growing more quickly than those in developed markets.

Brand Finance chief executive officer David Haigh said that it is an encouraging sign for the economy to see that the overall value of the Global 500 increase by 3.3 per cent to $3,415 billion from last year. — abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com