Airline hails spike in premium bookings to the UK
Bookings for first class seats on flights from China and India during the first half of the year were up 27% and 17% respectively, compared with the same period in 2024, according to the carrier.
For travel from Australia, the increase in business class bookings was 10%.
Emirates said regional UK airports such as Glasgow and Newcastle are expected to see an increasing number of Chinese visitors, with inbound passenger numbers anticipated to rise by 18% and 45% respectively in the second half of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
All Emirates journeys on these routes involve changing planes in Dubai.
The airline recently signed a declaration of intent with tourism agency VisitBritain to boost inbound tourism.
Emirates UK divisional vice president Jabr Al-Azeeby said: 'The UK is one of the most important markets in Emirates' global network, and the growth in bookings we've seen over the past year reflects that.
'We've seen a noticeable increase in inbound arrivals from key destinations such as Australia, India, and China, driving forward economic growth here in the UK.
'Our partnership with VisitBritain underscores our commitment to grow tourism for the UK from key strategic markets.'
The Government's ambition is for the UK to have 50 million international visitors a year by 2030.
An estimated 41.2 million inbound visits were made in 2024.
VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said: 'Expanding airline routes and seat capacity into our regional gateways is crucial to our competitive tourism offer.
'International visitors are forecast to spend more than £34 billion in the UK this year.
'Making it easier for visitors to explore our nations and regions boosts that spending across more of Britain, supporting jobs, businesses and driving growth for local economies.'
Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Government asks body to consult on axing ‘discriminatory' minimum wage age bands
The Government has said it is pushing forward with plans to look at removing 'discriminatory' age bands for the national minimum wage as it extended the remit of the Low Pay Commission (LPC). It said the advisory body will consult with employers, trade unions and workers on narrowing the gap between the minimum wage rate for 18 to 20-year-olds, and the so-called national living wage – the UK minimum wage for workers 21 years and older. The LPC will also be required to put forward 'recommendations on achieving a single adult rate in the years ahead'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: 'To ensure the right balance is struck between the needs of workers, business affordability and the wider economy, the LPC is being asked to consult on several issues before recommending the new rates.' Last year, Labour committed to removing these age bands to create a 'genuine' national living wage, as part of efforts to bolster employment rights. Currently, the national living wage for workers aged 21 and older is £12.21. Meanwhile, the minimum wage for workers aged between 18 and 20 is £10. There is also a minimum wage for those aged under 18, and apprentices, of £7.55. The Government said the change to the LPC remit will also ensure it actively considers the cost of living in its recommendations for changes to the minimum wage which are next applied from April 2026. The LPC, which was founded in 1997, provides recommendations to the Government each October regarding how it believes the minimum wage should be changed. The Government ultimately sets minimum wage rates for the following April after this advice. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 'Low pay drags down living standards for our workers and in turn hurts our high streets and local businesses. 'This Government's plan for change will put money back in people's pockets, with this new remit marking the next step in considering how we ensure a fair deal for our lowest-paid workers while maintaining a competitive economy that boosts businesses and their employees alike.' Baroness Philippa Stroud, chairwoman of the LPC, said: 'We are pleased to receive our remit from the Government. 'Already, since the beginning of the year, we have spent significant time speaking with workers and employers to understand the pressures in the economy and the effects of the most recent increases in the minimum wage. 'We have held a successful call for evidence and received detailed submissions from all sides.'
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Scottish Government holds emergency meeting over Storm Floris disruption
The Scottish Government has held an emergency meeting in response to the 'significant disruption' caused by Storm Floris across the country, including 119 rail incidents. On Monday night, the Scottish Government's Resilience Room held the meeting to help decide an appropriate response to the storm, which has led to power outages, delays in exam results being delivered to pupils and travel disruption, amid other issues. During the meeting, ministers heard that utilities companies are working to reconnect properties experiencing power outages. The meeting was attended by justice and home affairs secretary Angela Constance, transport secretary Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for health and social care Neil Gray and climate action and energy secretary Gillian Martin. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and further resilience partners. The Transport Scotland Resilience Room and the Multi-Agency Response Team remain activated to monitor and report on conditions throughout the duration of the storm. Trunk road companies are continuing to remove fallen trees and debris from damaged infrastructure from roads, and have engaged specialist resources to assist. The Scottish Government said there have been 119 incidents on the rail network caused by Storm Floris, including 75 tree-related incidents. Of those, 85% were due to third party trees. With winds of up to 90mph in some parts of the country, a significant clear-up job will be required to inspect lines and carry out repair work before it is safe to restore a full service. ScotRail is urging customers to check their journey via the app, website or JourneyCheck before they travel. The train operator will also provide updates across social media channels throughout the night. Following the meeting, Ms Constance said: 'As expected, there has been significant disruption, particularly across the travel networks. 'We are still in an amber warning, and the advice remains to stay well informed, keep yourselves and others safe and avoid travel if you can, until the danger has passed. 'Power cuts are affecting a significant number of properties, and while utilities companies are working hard to reconnect supply in the face of challenging conditions, this will undoubtedly take some time to complete. 'The weather is expected to improve tomorrow, but the recovery period – both to reconnect homes to power and get transport back to normal – will require some time to clear the debris. 'We will continue to receive updates throughout Tuesday and will have a better idea on public transport tomorrow morning.' On X, Network Rail said it has 'worked closely with all train operators' to co-ordinate the railway's response to the storm. The railway operator added: 'We've been working around the clock to keep services moving today. 'Our teams will continue inspecting routes for #StormFloris damage overnight, but this will continue into Tuesday morning.' Network Rail previously said it is working 'tirelessly' to clear routes blocked by falling trees and debris, and that disruption was likely to continue into Tuesday. However, some checks will need to be carried out on Tuesday morning. Rail, road and ferry travel were disrupted and festival events cancelled as Storm Floris swept across Scotland, bringing with it heavy rain and strong gusts. Disruption on the railways has left passengers facing multiple cancellations, while a number of roads around the country have been blocked. Western coastal areas are bearing the brunt of the summer storm but strong winds and heavy rain are affecting much of the rest of the country. As of 11.30pm on Monday, a yellow weather warning from the Met Office was in place in Scotland until 8am on Tuesday. Police previously said they had received 'multiple reports' of campervans being blown over on the A87 between Broadford and Portree on Skye, while in Aberdeenshire the A96 is closed in both directions near Old Rayne because of several fallen trees.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Atos SE (AEXAF) (H1 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Steady Revenue and Strategic Restructuring ...
Release Date: August 01, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Atos SE (AEXAF) reported a stabilization of revenues at approximately $2 billion per quarter, indicating a steady financial performance. The company achieved a 15% organic growth in operating margin compared to the previous year, showcasing improved operational efficiency. Atos SE (AEXAF) successfully renegotiated a significant contract with a German automotive OEM, turning a previously loss-making contract into a profitable one. The restructuring plan, known as Genesis, is progressing well, with expectations to complete two-thirds of the plan by the end of the year. The company has strengthened its governance with the addition of a new board member, enhancing leadership and oversight. Negative Points Atos SE (AEXAF) reported a net income group share of minus 696 million, indicating significant financial challenges. The company's net debt increased to 1.7 billion, reflecting a higher leverage ratio of 4.0 times. The book-to-bill ratio remains below 100%, raising concerns about future revenue growth and contract renewals. The company incurred reorganization and rationalization charges totaling 379 million, impacting overall profitability. Atos SE (AEXAF) faces ongoing challenges with loss-making contracts, particularly in the UK, which continue to affect cash flow. Q & A Highlights Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with AEXAF. Q: Can you discuss the revenue trajectory for the rest of the year and any specific assumptions regarding demand and seasonality? A: Unidentified_1: We expect Q3 revenues to stabilize around $2 billion, slightly less than previous quarters, with an increase anticipated in Q4. The revenue stabilization is crucial, and we have successfully renewed over 90% of contracts. The pipeline is increasing, indicating potential growth in H2. Q: What are your expectations for free cash flow and restructuring cash outflows for the second half of the year? A: Unidentified_2: We aim to maintain cash in advance at similar levels to last year, around the 300 million mark, despite not actively seeking advance payments. Restructuring cash outflows will accelerate, with most restructuring expected to be completed by summer 2026. Q: Do you expect a significant improvement in your book-to-bill ratio in H2, and how confident are you in achieving organic growth next year? A: Unidentified_1: We anticipate the book-to-bill ratio to exceed 80% and aim for around 100% by Q4. The pipeline is increasing, and we are confident in achieving organic growth next year, supported by a strong restructuring plan that will enhance profitability regardless of top-line growth. Q: Can you provide details on the renewed contract in the automotive sector and its impact on revenue and profit? A: Unidentified_1: The renewed contract with a German OEM was previously at a negative margin. We have renegotiated it to a positive margin of around 10%, improving both revenue and profitability. This reflects our strategy to address loss-making contracts. Q: Are there any expected cash outflows related to litigation or loss-making contracts in the future? A: Unidentified_1: We do not anticipate significant cash outflows from litigation in H2. For loss-making contracts, we are actively working to reduce cash outflows, with one major contract expected to stop bleeding next year, and another being negotiated for termination. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
