Ahmed Bin Said: Privatizing UAE aviation sector is good

The director of the Civil Aviation Department in Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Said Al Maktoum, who is also the chairman of the Emirates Group said the group is expected to achieve record profits in the current year exceeding $76 million as a result of rapid growth in the aviation sector.

He pointed out that the group expects net profits of $100 million or more.

In a press conference, Al Maktoum said that the group had witnessed great progress during the past 10 months which necessitated buying new Boeing 777's last August. He refuted reports that the group was affected by the economic collapse in southeast Asia.

Al Maktoum said that privatizing the Emirates Airlines will improve its performance, but the quick expansion and the great expenses of the company prevented this step till now. He added that he supports the privatization of the company which flies to more than 40 cities, but no discussions in this regard had been held.