Maurice Flanagan

Sir Maurice Flanagan, founding Chief Executive of Emirates the airline, has passed away at the age of 86.  Sir Maurice, a solid man of Lancaster, was BOAC of the old school, having learnt the airline business with a variety of appointments in the Middle and Far East, and Africa.  He called himself a failed footballer (a knee injury stopped his progress at Blackburn Rovers) and took Emirates to Highbury when Manchester United turned down a sponsorship offer.

Sir Maurice, who launched the Dubai-based airline with US$10m in 1985, retired two years ago.

Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates, described Flanagan as a legend in the aviation industry.  “The Emirates Group, and Dubai, has lost a great friend today.  Maurice was a man of great character, and a legend in the aviation industry.  He was generous with his time, forthright in his views, and a person who gave 110% to everything he did.

“It was a great personal pleasure and privilege to have worked with him.  On behalf of all Emirates Group staff, I express our condolences to his wife Audrey, his son Julian, and his daughters Siobhan and Claire.  His contributions to Emirates, and Dubai, will always be remembered.”  www.emirates.com

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