A HIGH flying business executive has received a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Sir Maurice Flanagan, KBE, BA Hon. FRAeS, FCILT

Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group

A key architect in the phenomenal growth of Emirates airline and Group, having overseen Dnata's operations and subsequently every stage in Emirates' remarkable rise from regional carrier with two aircraft to global giant with a 130-strong fleet.

Mr Flanagan arrived in Dubai in 1978 when he was appointed Director and General Manager of Dnata. It was a move which would shape his life as six years later he led the 10-man team which hatched the incredible plan to launch an airline in five months on a budget of just $10million.

He was the Managing Director for the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985 and his pivotal role in the company’s development was recognised in 1990 when he was appointed Group Managing Director of Emirates Group. Mr Flanagan became Vice Chairman and Group President in July 2003 and was promoted to his current role in 2006.

He started his career in 1953 with BOAC, the forerunner of British Airways, as a graduate trainee after serving in the Royal Air Force as a navigation officer. He ascended through a variety of overseas posts and returned to the UK in 1965 as a route planning manager.

In 1974, he joined British Airways’ senior management team where he gained the experience which prepared him for the massive part he would play in the history of Emirates.

He regards himself fortunate to have served since the start of the airline under its charismatic chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and with the support of an exceptionally talented group of colleagues.

Mr Flanagan was invested as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2000, in recognition of his contribution to community relations in the UAE and services to aviation.

In 2004, he was honoured by Flight International as its Personality of the Year and received an award from Airline Business for his role in the transformation of Emirates into a world force in aviation.

In addition, Mr Flanagan was inducted into the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame in 2005 for his significant contribution to the sector.

The same year Mr Flanagan became only the second person to be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Official Airline Guide. It was presented both for his part in developing Emirates into a major global airline and for more than 50 years of dedicated service to the aviation industry.

In 2007, Mr Flanagan was honoured with a Legends Award from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and inducted into its Hall of Fame.

The following year an honorary Doctor of Letters degree was conferred on Mr Flanagan by the University of Bradford, while the University of Liverpool presented him with an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his leadership, innovation and influence in the aviation industry.

In addition, Mr Flanagan was made a liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators and a Freeman of the City of London.

 

 

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