Emirates launches retail store concept in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Emirates is reinforcing its presence in the Philippines by investing in a retail store to serve its customers better.

Emirates inaugurated on Wednesday its first Emirates World retail store concept in Southeast Asia located in Bonifacio Global City.

The 221-square meter retail store marks a significant step in the airline’s commitment to the Philippines by redefining the travel retail experience for travelers.

“This is something that is an important component of our being closer to our customers as part of enriching the experience that we offer,” Emirates deputy president and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said.

“We believe that the Philippines do like to be engaged more face-to-face with our agents and our staff. By having that in mind, the Emirates World will bring that sort of experience and that emotion that will enrich our level of customer offering,” he said.

The store is designed to serve as a one-stop shop where customers can explore Emirates’ best-in-class products and services and provides visitors a glimpse of the airline’s onboard hospitality.

Kazim said the Emirates World retail store is part of the airline’s broader strategy to get closer to its customers as they plan their travel and create an elevated experience.

“Philippines is an important market for Emirates and that reflects even in the relationship the two countries are holding between the United Arab Emirates and Philippines in general. Investing into these offices and focusing on the Philippines as a market is a reflection how the Philippines is important for us,” Kazim said.

“We are always open to even further enhance our capacity and our growth in the Philippines when the time is right,” he said.

Emirates has so far launched its reimagined retail spaces in Hong Kong, London and Nairobi, with more stores set to progressively roll out to key markets with an estimated investment of AED100 million over the next three years as part of the airline’s retail strategy.

In 1990, Emirates launched services to Manila and progressively grew its services to include a circular service to Cebu and Clark.

The airline currently serves the Philippines with 28 weekly flights, offering approximately 22,700 weekly seats to and from Dubai and connecting travelers to over 140 destinations across the its global network.

Last year, Emirates signed an interline agreement with flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), expanding its network to more domestic points in the Philippines via Manila, Cebu and Clark.

Under the agreement, PAL’s customers can also benefit from increased connectivity to nine international points via Dubai including Amman, Birmingham, Cape Town, Dammam, Dublin, Lisbon, Manchester, Muscat and Riyadh.