MalaysianUpdates

Category: Transportation & Mobility

  • Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group recorded its highest-ever profit for the 2025-26 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year. The Group also achieved record revenue of AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion) despite facing operational disruptions across the Gulf region during the reporting period.

    Emirates maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED22.8 billion (US$6.2 billion), up seven per cent year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by network expansion and the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with the airline’s latest products and technologies.

    Meanwhile, dnata also delivered an impressive performance, recording its highest-ever revenue of AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) alongside steady profit growth, supported by increased airport operations, catering and travel services activities.

    For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, Emirates Group also reported record cash assets of AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion), reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA reached AED41.1 billion (US$11.2 billion), highlighting strong operating profitability.

    The Group declared a dividend of AED3.5 billion (US$1 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Following the increase in the UAE corporate tax rate from nine to 15 per cent due to the implementation of Pillar Two tax regulations, Emirates Group posted a profit after tax of AED21 billion (US$5.7 billion), up three per cent from the 2024-25 financial year.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the outstanding results demonstrated the resilience of Emirates Group’s business model, which is built on safety, innovation, service excellence, strong talent and strategic partnerships.

    He noted that during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 financial year, demand for Emirates and dnata products and services remained robust, contributing to higher revenue and healthy profit margins driven by continuous investments in products, technology, branding and people development.

    However, military activities in the Gulf region on 28 February significantly disrupted global commercial aviation operations, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata responded swiftly by implementing measures to support affected customers and employees while ensuring operational continuity.

    Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, supported by modern infrastructure and a strong aviation ecosystem, enabled UAE authorities to act quickly in securing safe commercial flight corridors. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have since gradually recovered, although passenger capacity has yet to fully return to pre-disruption levels.

    He also highlighted the important role played by Emirates Group employees in ensuring the organisation remained agile and operationally efficient during challenging times. Sheikh Ahmed further expressed appreciation for Dubai’s leadership and its continued support for the aviation sector as a key driver of the emirate’s economy.

    Throughout the 2025-26 financial year, Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and advanced technologies to support future growth. The Group’s workforce also expanded by eight per cent to 130,919 employees, including a growing UAE national workforce which now exceeds 4,000 employees.

    Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Group is entering the new financial year with a very strong cash position and solid business fundamentals. He added that the Group would continue its aircraft delivery and cabin retrofit programmes while maintaining investments in new facilities and world-class customer experiences.

    During the year, Emirates expanded its network with four new destinations: Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen. As of 31 March 2026, Emirates’ global network covered 152 cities across 80 countries. The airline also strengthened its strategic partnerships with 32 codeshare partners and 117 interline partners, providing customers access to more than 1,700 cities worldwide.

    Emirates received 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft during the financial year, enabling the airline to offer more premium products, including Premium Economy Class and next-generation inflight entertainment systems. By the end of March 2026, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft with an average fleet age of 10.8 years.

    Emirates’ revenue increased by two per cent to AED130.9 billion (US$35.7 billion), while profit after tax reached a record AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion). The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, recording a passenger seat factor of 78.4 per cent.

    As part of efforts to enhance customer experience, Emirates introduced high-speed Starlink internet connectivity across its aircraft and continued its US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed the full refurbishment process.

    Emirates SkyCargo also delivered strong performance, handling 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, up three per cent from the previous year. The cargo division generated AED16.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) in revenue, contributing 12 per cent to Emirates’ total revenue.

    In addition, dnata continued to strengthen its global operations as revenue increased by 12 per cent to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion). The growth was driven by increased aviation and travel activities across key markets including Australia, Europe, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    dnata also invested AED858 million (US$234 million) to expand catering facilities, cargo operations and environmentally friendly ground support equipment. The company continued implementing sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), food waste reduction programmes and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in its operations.

    On the social responsibility front, Emirates Group continued supporting community programmes through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the dnata4good platform, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare and welfare assistance for underprivileged communities worldwide.

  • Castrol Reaches Milestone with 3,000+ Branded Workshops Across Malaysia

    Castrol Reaches Milestone with 3,000+ Branded Workshops Across Malaysia

    Castrol Malaysia has strengthened its position in the country’s lubricant market by expanding its network to more than 3,000 branded workshops nationwide, marking a new milestone in how vehicle owners access professional and trusted vehicle care through the Castrol Auto Service and Castrol Bike Point networks. With this extensive network operating across major towns and cities throughout Malaysia, Castrol now provides nationwide access to reliable and professional vehicle servicing for motorists.

    These workshops are designed to offer drivers and riders consistent access to high-quality servicing, supported by Castrol’s trusted product range, collectively serving up to half a million customers each month and reflecting the brand’s strong relationship with everyday motorists. The continued expansion highlights Castrol’s commitment to strengthening its market presence, improving service standards and enhancing accessibility for consumers across the country, while also leveraging digital tools such as the Castrol Motorist App and Google Business integration to improve convenience and workshop visibility.

    According to Joshua Tan, Head of Marketing for Castrol Malaysia and Singapore, this milestone represents more than growth, as it reflects trust built over time. He added that each Castrol-branded workshop represents reliability and professionalism, aligned with the company’s mission to make quality vehicle care more accessible to all vehicle owners, while continuing to drive industry progress through technology, training and strategic partnerships.

    Each Castrol-branded workshop provides professional vehicle maintenance services along with a comprehensive range of Castrol lubricants, supported by global standards and technology. Vehicle owners can also benefit from the Castrol Motorist App, which offers features such as service booking, maintenance tracking and loyalty rewards, delivering added convenience and enhancing the overall customer experience.

    This expansion is supported by continued investment in partner training, digital solutions and long-term customer engagement initiatives, aligning with Castrol’s vision of sustainable growth and leadership in the automotive service industry. Businesses interested in joining the Castrol branded workshop network can obtain more information or register their interest through Castrol Malaysia’s official website.

  • Emirates Leads Inclusive Travel Efforts with 40+ Autism-Friendly Rehearsals Worldwide

    Emirates Leads Inclusive Travel Efforts with 40+ Autism-Friendly Rehearsals Worldwide

    Emirates has strengthened its commitment to making travel more accessible for all by successfully organising bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities worldwide over the past year. The initiative has benefited over 250 families and is specifically designed to support children and young adults with autism by allowing them to practise the airport journey in advance of actual travel. This preparation helps reduce anxiety and empowers them to fly with greater confidence. Following strong positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations after the initial sessions in Dubai, the Emirates Office of Accessibility and Inclusion formalised the initiative into an official programme for rollout across its global network.

    Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have collaborated to deliver more than 40 travel rehearsals at airports across cities including Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Cairo, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Luanda, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Louis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice and Vienna. More than 35,000 Emirates employees have been trained to support customers with autism and to facilitate both travel and rehearsal experiences. The airline works closely with airport authorities and partners to ensure each session is well-coordinated, supportive and meaningful for participating families. Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support, described the programme as a strong success across six continents, highlighting the collaboration between Emirates teams, airport partners, and the parents, teachers and caregivers involved, while emphasising plans to expand the initiative further.

    As the world’s first autism-certified airline, Emirates recognises that international air travel can be overwhelming for many families due to high levels of sensory stimulation, often leading them to avoid travelling altogether. A survey on AutismTravel.com found that 78 per cent of families are hesitant to travel or visit new destinations for this reason. For individuals with autism, predictability and preparation are essential, yet airports can present unfamiliar processes and environments. Emirates Travel Rehearsals address this by offering structured, real-time practice experiences developed in collaboration with airport authorities, border control, security teams, and autism centres worldwide. Participants are guided through each stage of the journey, including check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security screening and navigating retail and dining areas, while interacting with airport staff and using mock boarding passes. In some locations, participants are also given access to real aircraft, further enhancing familiarity and confidence.

    Feedback from participants globally has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents, therapists, teachers, children and young adults describing the experience as highly valuable. Many have shared that the rehearsals helped reduce fear, provided reassurance and made air travel feel achievable, in some cases for the first time in years. Participants expressed excitement and pride after completing the sessions, while caregivers highlighted the importance of preparation, familiarity and the presence of trained staff. Educators and autism specialists have also praised the programme for its thoughtful execution and meaningful contribution to inclusive travel.

    Emirates will continue expanding the Travel Rehearsal programme throughout 2026, inviting more schools and autism centres to participate. The airline also provides a range of sensory products and fidget toys onboard across all cabin classes to support neurodiverse passengers and those who may feel anxious during flights. In addition, the Emirates Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on its website offers comprehensive, user-friendly information to help customers plan their journeys with confidence. The platform allows users to explore guidance based on specific needs, including hidden disabilities, or by different stages of the journey such as before departure, during the flight and upon arrival. It also features autism-friendly travel guides as well as Dubai International Airport maps and sensory guides, all aimed at reducing anxiety and creating a smoother, more inclusive travel experience.

  • Emirates Bawakan Pengalaman Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina Istimewa Untuk Penumpang Malaysia

    Emirates Bawakan Pengalaman Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina Istimewa Untuk Penumpang Malaysia

    Sempena sambutan Tahun Baru Cina Kuda, Emirates menandakan salah satu tempoh perjalanan paling sibuk di Asia Tenggara dengan menawarkan pengalaman penumpang yang dipertingkatkan di dalam penerbangan serta berkongsi pandangan menyeluruh mengenai trend pelancongan ke dan dari Malaysia, Thailand dan Vietnam sepanjang musim cuti tersebut. Tahun Baru Cina kekal sebagai antara musim perjalanan paling penting di rantau ini, menggabungkan tradisi pertemuan keluarga dengan peningkatan perjalanan ke destinasi antarabangsa.

    Berdasarkan data tempahan bagi Februari 2026, Emirates merekodkan skala dan kepelbagaian tujuan perjalanan yang merentasi seluruh pasaran Asia Tenggara. Di Malaysia, perjalanan sepanjang tempoh perayaan didorong oleh gabungan pertemuan keluarga dan percutian antarabangsa. Trafik masuk didahului oleh United Kingdom, Emiriah Arab Bersatu, Jerman dan Amerika Syarikat, mencerminkan hubungan kukuh Malaysia dengan komuniti global serta daya tarikannya sebagai destinasi pelancongan semasa Tahun Baru Cina. Kebanyakan pelancong yang tiba terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, manakala pelancong berkeluarga mewakili sebahagian kecil. Dalam masa yang sama, pelancong dari Malaysia mengambil peluang cuti perayaan untuk melancong ke destinasi jarak jauh seperti Dubai, Istanbul, Kaherah, London dan Paris. Corak perjalanan keluar turut didominasi oleh pelancong solo dan pasangan, diikuti oleh pelancong berkumpulan dan keluarga. Keadaan ini menjadikan musim perayaan sebagai pemangkin kepada perjalanan antarabangsa serta mengukuhkan kepentingan ketersambungan global dan pilihan kabin premium.

    Di Thailand, data tempahan menunjukkan bahawa perjalanan sempena Tahun Baru Cina bagi Februari 2026 kekal didominasi oleh aktiviti riadah. Permintaan masuk tertinggi datang dari Jerman, United Kingdom, Rusia, Perancis dan Hong Kong, sekali gus mengekalkan kedudukan Thailand sebagai destinasi percutian utama dalam kalangan pelancong antarabangsa. Pelancong yang tiba kebanyakannya terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, manakala pelancong berkeluarga dan berkumpulan mencatatkan peratusan yang lebih kecil, menandakan bahawa tempoh ini lebih tertumpu kepada percutian berbanding pertemuan keluarga. Bagi perjalanan keluar, pelancong Thailand cenderung memilih destinasi jarak dekat dan serantau seperti Hong Kong, Da Nang dan Dubai. Kebanyakan perjalanan adalah untuk percutian singkat atau lawatan kepada rakan dan saudara mara, menjadikan tempoh ini sebagai musim perjalanan yang fleksibel dengan permintaan tinggi terhadap penerbangan yang kerap.

    Di Vietnam, musim perayaan Tết memperlihatkan peningkatan permintaan bagi perjalanan jarak jauh. Data tempahan menunjukkan bahawa pelancongan masuk didahului oleh Jerman, Thailand, United Kingdom, Amerika Syarikat dan Rusia. Penumpang yang tiba kebanyakannya terdiri daripada pelancong solo dan pasangan, dengan sebahagian besar perjalanan didorong oleh tujuan peribadi, riadah serta lawatan kepada rakan dan saudara mara. Ini menggariskan kepentingan Tết sebagai waktu untuk pertemuan keluarga. Dalam masa yang sama, pelancong Vietnam turut memanfaatkan cuti perayaan untuk melancong ke luar negara, dengan destinasi seperti Dubai, Bangkok, London, Paris dan Moscow menjadi pilihan utama. Selain pulang ke kampung halaman, musim ini semakin dilihat sebagai peluang untuk mengimbangi tanggungjawab kekeluargaan dengan pengalaman pelancongan antarabangsa, sekali gus meningkatkan permintaan terhadap ketersambungan global.

    Bagi meraikan Tahun Kuda, Emirates turut menawarkan pelbagai pengalaman penumpang sepanjang tempoh Tahun Baru Cina, sama ada di darat mahupun di udara. Dari 17 hingga 19 Februari 2026, pelanggan boleh menikmati hidangan panas dan pencuci mulut istimewa yang diinspirasikan daripada tradisi Tahun Baru Cina di ruang istirahat Emirates terpilih di Dubai, Singapura, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai dan Hong Kong. Di dalam penerbangan pula, antara 16 hingga 20 Februari 2026, suasana perayaan dibawakan ke pasaran utama Asia termasuk China, Taiwan, Singapura dan Malaysia melalui sajian pencuci mulut bertemakan Tahun Baru Cina serta pemberian angpao kepada penumpang.

    Penumpang yang menaiki penerbangan antara Dubai dan Kuala Lumpur sepanjang tempoh ini turut menikmati hidangan istimewa merentasi semua kelas kabin, termasuk kek mousse laici dan mawar bersalut coklat putih bagi pelanggan kabin premium serta pencuci mulut sagu kelapa dan taro bagi penumpang kelas ekonomi. Angpao berisi syiling coklat juga diberikan dalam penerbangan terpilih sebagai simbolik sambutan. Melengkapkan pengalaman tersebut, sistem hiburan dalam penerbangan Emirates ice menawarkan kandungan bertemakan Tahun Baru Cina, termasuk pilihan filem, rancangan televisyen dan muzik dalam pelbagai bahasa seperti bahasa Cina dan bahasa Melayu, bagi memastikan penumpang terus terhibur sepanjang perjalanan.

    Dengan rangkaian global yang merangkumi enam benua, Emirates terus memainkan peranan penting dalam menghubungkan Asia Tenggara dengan destinasi antarabangsa utama, khususnya semasa tempoh permintaan tinggi seperti musim Tahun Baru Cina.

  • Maxim Malaysia Remains Fully Operational Nationwide Following APAD’s Final Approval

    Maxim Malaysia Remains Fully Operational Nationwide Following APAD’s Final Approval

    Maxim E-hailing Malaysia has reaffirmed its position as one of the country’s key mobility providers after officially receiving the final approval letter from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), allowing the company to continue its e-hailing operations nationwide. The approval marks the successful completion of a three-month monitoring period, during which Maxim demonstrated full compliance with all regulatory requirements. At a press conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Mushfique Ahmed, Legal Compliance & Government Relation of Maxim Malaysia, highlighted several major areas the company strengthened during this period, including enhancements in the legalization process, driver financial support, onboard system improvements, safety upgrades, and ongoing community-focused initiatives. Throughout the monitoring phase, Maxim submitted all mandatory reports and implemented key improvements, ensuring every driver meets licensing requirements and positioning the company as a fully compliant e-hailing platform in Malaysia.

    To reinforce its compliance efforts, Maxim carried out an internal audit of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and eVP licenses, refined its driver onboarding processes, and enforced stricter inspection protocols. The company also introduced various support measures for driver-partners, including up to RM400 financial assistance for new drivers and a 0% commission incentive for newly approved driver-partners. Collaborations with driving schools further enabled a faster and more cost-effective pathway for drivers to obtain PSV licenses, with Maxim covering the full cost of the licensing process. On the safety front, Maxim rolled out women-only ride options in selected East Coast cities, provided child seats to top-performing drivers in Terengganu, and upgraded its SOS button to ensure faster emergency responses.

    In fulfilling its social responsibility, Maxim expanded its support for Persons with Disabilities (OKU) through 0% commission incentives for OKU drivers and improved service accessibility for OKU customers. The company also continued various community initiatives, including Independence Day and Malaysia Day campaigns, transportation assistance for the blind community, blood donation drives, and its collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind through a formal Memorandum of Understanding. These efforts underline Maxim’s commitment to inclusivity and community welfare. According to Hazwan, the company’s spokesperson, the final approval marks a significant milestone, positioning Maxim for a stronger phase of growth and service expansion. He emphasized that Maxim’s mission extends beyond offering e-hailing services—its role is vital in enabling economic participation, particularly for individuals who rely on e-hailing as their primary income source.

    Hazwan also noted that Maxim’s wide operational footprint—spanning major cities, suburban regions, and rural areas—reinforces its commitment to providing accessible transportation for all Malaysians. He added that the company’s continuous improvements in safety, driver welfare, and community engagement demonstrate its value as a competitive player in the local e-hailing landscape, helping reduce market monopoly and enhancing mobility across all states. With the final approval secured, Maxim Malaysia is now set to advance its technological capabilities, broaden service offerings, and strengthen partnerships with authorities and local communities as part of its mission to support a modern, inclusive transportation ecosystem. Since launching in Malaysia in 2019 with its first completed order in Kuantan, Maxim has grown into a nationwide service powered by innovative technologies and user-friendly platforms. Its Maxim app and Taxsee Driver app—available across all major app stores—serve millions of users and reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to improving mobility and enabling people to move confidently toward their goals.