Emirates’ Vice Chairman and Group President Maurice Flanagan has received a major travel award for his role in the development of Emirates Airline into a global force in the aviation industry.
Mr Flanagan was inducted into the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame during the 11th edition of the annual ceremony at the Savoy hotel in London, attended by many of the travel industry’s senior executives.
Alun Cathcart, Chairman of the Hall of Fame said: “The Hall of Fame was established to honour the excellence and outstanding achievement of those who have played a significant part in creating and developing the travel and tourism industry – in Britain and globally. Entry might be for a single outstanding achievement or for those whose contribution spans a significant period and long time success. Maurice Flanagan is a worthy recipient given his significant contribution to our industry.”
Mr Flanagan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and I accept it on behalf of the entire Emirates Group team that contributes to our hugely successful customer-focused business. Everyone counts in our company – on the ground and in the air, at our home base of Dubai and around the world - and whilst I’m the one receiving this honour, all at Emirates should share it with me.”
Mr Flanagan received the honour alongside three other 2005 recipients: Rod Eddington, the out-going Chief Executive of British Airways; Lloyd Dorfman, Chairman and CEO of Travelex Group; and David Michels, Group Chief Executive of Hilton Group.
In applauding the announcement, the Emirates Group Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: “We all feel proud of Maurice’s induction to the Hall of Fame. He has played a critical role in the development of Emirates into a truly global brand and business. We are blessed with an exceptional team of people who have turned Emirates into a tremendous success story, and Maurice’s part in our nearly 20-year old history cannot be overstressed.”
First established in 1995, invitations to the Hall of Fame are made by a Nominating Committee of senior industry leaders, including existing members. They include such industry stalwarts as Lord King and Lord Marshall of British Airways; and the founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Sir Richard Branson.
The Hall of Fame induction is only the latest in a string of industry awards bestowed on Mr Flanagan. Only last year he was named winner of the Airline Business Award by the leading aviation magazine at its third annual Airline Strategy Awards, before also being voted Personality of the Year by Flight International magazine.
