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North East SMEs are central to Emirates 2014 plans, says airline boss

North East SMEs are key to Emirates’ 2014 strategy, the airline’s boss has told Bdaily.

Last week the airline celebrated the one millionth passenger on its daily Dubai route, since launching in September 2007.

Speaking to Bdaily, Emirates UK vice president, Laurie Berryman, said the region’s businesses would be central to the airline’s growth strategy in the coming year.

He said: “The SME is a key consideration in our strategy for 2014, and it is important for us to get them out in the world so they can build their businesses.

“This year we have introduced a corporate sale executive in the region, Tracy Chandler. She is meeting as many small businesses as she can, and through that activity we’re taking on board their thoughts on our provision in the region.”

The Newcastle-Dubai route has been hailed as a major economic success for the region, and Laurie thanked the team at Newcastle Airport and the region’s businesses for their continued support of the route.

He said: “Newcastle have a fantastic team under chief executive David Laws, who we’ve worked with for six years now - and I very much look forward to continuing the relationship.”

Laurie also noted the growth of Emirates’ cargo business.

He added: “Our Boeing 777 aircraft is a much bigger cargo carrier - which has boosted that side of the business considerably over the last nine months. Our financial year ends in March, and I’m expecting cargo to have grown almost 40% year-on-year.

“Two things have grown this for us. Increased trade across the world, and also cargo that would have been put on trucks down to Manchester or East Midlands airports - can now be flown straight out of the regional hub to international destinations.

“Air freight really suits a lot of developing markets.”

Last week, to celebrate the millionth passenger milestone, Emirates surprised holidaying couple Shiela and Peter Laverick with an upgrade to business class to Dubai.

The couple were flying to New Zealand via Sydney to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary and spend Christmas with family.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .