Dubai to support Emirates airline as coronavirus hits global aviation industry

The Dubai government pledged financial support for Emirates to help the world's largest long-haul airline cope with the impact from the coronavirus pandemic. The government of Dubai will inject equity into the state-owned company given its strategic importance to the economy and its role in transforming the emirate into a global travel hub, according to a statement on Tuesday from the Dubai Government Media office. "Dubai is fully committed to supporting Emirates airlines in the current critical period," Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said. "As a shareholder of Emirates airlines, the Government of Dubai will inject equity into the company, considering its strategic importance to the Dubai and UAE economy and the airline’s key role in positioning Dubai as a major international aviation hub." The government pledge to help the airline surmount the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic comes after the UAE suspended passenger flights for a two-week period starting March 25 to limit the spread of the virus. The amount of state funding Emirates would receive isn't clear yet, but further details will be announced at a later stage, Sheikh Hamdan said.<br/>