RIYADH, 3 March 2004 — Top passenger and cargo sales agents from mostly the Central Region were presented crystal replicas of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Hotel by Emirates Airlines at a function here at the Nayyara Palace Hall.
Awards were presented to the top travel agents including Al Tayyar Travel, Al Rajhi Wings, Kanoo Travel, Amikan Travel, Al Sarh Travel, Statco and Saudi Tourist & Travel Bureau. Mohammed Salem Humaid, Emirates’ regional manager, said, “Although the airline was also affected by adverse economic and political developments following Sept. 11, we were able to meet the challenges and adapt to the changes.”
“Our bold approach helped us to overcome the negative effects of events such as SARS and the Iraq war,” said Humaid, while handing over awards.
Rashid Al Mugait, president of Al Mousim Travel was given with “Travel Industry Achievement Award” and Dr. Nasser Al-Tayyar, chairman of Al-Tayyar Travel Agency, received a “Business Excellence Award.” Mohammed Khair, sales manager of Al Sarh Travel was selected as Manager of the Year.
“Emirates is currently one of the world’s five most profitable airlines besides being one among the 20 largest airlines of the world,” added Humaid.
Last year, Emirates became the first airline to operate the A340-500, the world’s longest range passenger jet, which flies to London, Osaka, and Auckland via Sydney.
“Our success would not have been possible without the support we received from our travel and cargo agents here in Saudi Arabia,” said Karunakaran Pillai, Emirates sales manager for the Central Region.
Emirates operate five times a week from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, according to Pillai. He said that four new destinations will be added to the network including New York.
